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

It's another hour-long episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, and on this show, we remember the life and career of Jackie Gleason, legendary television and film celebrity. We look back at his early years, his rise in show business, his entry into motion pictures, and his highly successful career in television. We also remember some of his best remembered characters such as Ralph Kramden from the classic "Honeymooners" series. Next we salute the 70th anniversary of the classic motion picture "Casablanca". The epic World War II movie that starred Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, along with a top-notch supporting cast. Learn about some of the goings on with the cast and the deep sentiment involving many of the players, starring and non-starring. If you are familiar with this movie, you will enjoy the recap and anecdotes that we share, and if you are new to classic movies, this will give you a preview of what this film is about. We have a musical number on this show, "Percolator" by Billy Joe and the Checkmates. The 1962 hit was inspired by a coffee percolator doing its job. Finally we talk about model electric trains. How many American kids had a train set while growing up? Maybe you were one of them, whether the small gage or large gage trains, the setups could be simple or elaborate. If you owned a train set way back when, this segment is sure to bring back memories. Our Retro-Commercials are for McDonald's and for Allis-Chalmers. Join us here, on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

We remember the 35th anniversary of Star Wars on this edition of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, the blockbuster film that had lines of people waiting hours to see it and brought to us such catch-phrases as "May the Force be with You". George guides us through a review of the cultural significance of this motion picture, as well as recalling many famous scenes and anecdotes from it. Next we remember bubble gum comics and penny candies we grew up with. Mike B leads us as we talk about Double Bubble and Bazooka bubble gum and the comics we would find inside. We also recall some of our favorite candies, from the penny candies of the past to such things as candy cigarettes, wax lips, and suckers that would now probably be outlawed! Our Retro-Commercial is a catchy musical Tootsie Roll commercial. Join the fun here at Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we mark the 100th anniversary of the Tarzan series of books, authored by Edgar Rice Burroughs. For many baby-boomers, Tarzan was a part of our growing up, whether following his adventures on films, comics, or television. George looks back at the history of the Tarzan franchise and gives us an overview of the many volumes published by Burroughs, as well as a look into the films and TV shows inspired by this character. Next, Mike Z recalls the sinking of the famous Italian liner, the Andrea Doria. On a foggy night in 1956, the Andrea Doria and the liner Stockholm collided, resulting in a historic at-sea rescue. It the modern era of radio and radar, it would seem impossible for a collision such as this to occur...but it did. Tune in to hear the dramatic story! Smitty and Mike note the 100th anniversary of the Oreo Cookie, a perennial snack that has been enjoyed by millions of people throughout its 100 years. And we also note the 50th anniversary of the Incredible Hulk, the angry, greenish humanoid who has been the subject of comic books, movies, and a well-remembered TV show. Our Retro-Commercials are for Oldsmobile, and of course, Oreo Cookies. Turn the volume up, and listen in to Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

What was your favorite Hostess Bakery product? Twinkies, Ding Dongs, or maybe the Hostess Cupcakes? On this edition of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we remember Hostess Bakeries and all of those great treats we recall from our early years. Next we recall a great baseball anniversary that ties in with a couple of famous "Peanuts" cartoon strips. What did Charlie Brown have to say in those strips? Listen in and find out! Finally, we recall Jazz great Dave Brubeck who passed away in late 2012. His contributions to American music and culture are recalled. His classic tune "Take Five" is remembered in particular. Our Retro-Commercial is of course for Hostess Bakeries. Tune in to Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site reaches a new milestone as we wind down 2012: Our 100th program. Thanks to you our listeners, we have reached this goal, and we thank you for your ongoing support. On this episode, Smitty and Mike look back across 100 shows, and reflect how Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site has evolved; the guests, topics, ideas from our listeners, and the contributions by George and Mike Z have helped us to grow and expand the subjects we present to you. The Galaxy Guys look back at Blockbusters of 1962, great motion pictures from 50 years ago that we remember and still enjoy. Recall such titles as "Lawrence of Arabia", "The Longest Day", "Cleopatra", and "To Kill a Mockingbird", just to name a few. We listen to the late Andy Williams and his version of "Days of Wine and Roses", and we remember those holiday TV specials from the 60s and 70s when the whole family would gather around the TV and watch some of our favorite entertainers present and hour or so of great Christmas fun. We recall Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and of course Andy Williams. Our Retro-Commercials are for Gallo Wines, and for Delta Airlines from 1976. Join us as we celebrate 100 episodes of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network.

As we enter the holiday season here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we remember the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on this edition of our show. This yearly tradition heralds in the start of the holiday season, and has been a part of many baby boomer's lives. Remember Thanksgiving morning watching the parade on TV while enjoying the aroma of all the tasty holiday smells coming from the kitchen? The Galaxy Gang sure does! Listen in and hear about it. We also remember the days when TV stations would sign on in the morning and sign off late at night. This was before the stations broadcast 24 hours like they do now. We recall getting up early in the morning to watch the stations sign on the air, with the national anthem, devotional films, and jet planes flying. We watched all of this while waiting for the morning cartoons to come on! Just a part of the past that is no more. Our Retro-Commercial is for Instant Folger's Coffee. Tune in to Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

We remember the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis on this edition of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site. Smitty shares with us the chilling details from 50 years ago when the world came closer to a nuclear exchange than ever before or ever since. President Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev were the principal players in this high-stakes situation that for 13 days hung in the balance. Thankfully, the situation was resolved positively, but the memories still linger. Mike B and George share their recollections of that time when they were children, and could sense something was not right. Next George fills us in on Prime-Time Animation, those cartoons that were not relegated to Saturday mornings, but could be seen in the evening hours. This provided entertainment not just for the kids, but for mom and dad as well. Such favorites as The Flintstones, Johnny Quest, and Clutch Cargo are recalled. Our Retro-Commercial is for Duz laundry detergent. Tune in and join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

This episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site pays tribute to a number of well-known individuals who passed away in the summer of 2012. Celebrities, astronauts, writers, and noted individuals in the fields of comedy and music are remembered. Among them are Andy Griffith, Ray Bradbury, Phyllis Diller, and Neil Armstrong just to name a few. Join Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site as we remember these great individuals and their accomplishments.

On June 29, 2012, Mike B, Smitty, and Mike Z broadcast a live, two-hour episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site over KOPA-FM in Pala, California. The broadcast originated from the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar, California. On the second part of that broadcast, Smitty and Mike interview radio historian Bill Earl, who recalls the fairs in the Los Angeles area in the 60s and 70s. Bill tells us how radio stations participated in fairs and offers us his memories of local radio stations at the various fairs. Mike Z and Smitty recall famous Worlds' Fairs of the past. Among the fairs that are remembered are the 1939 and 1964 New York Worlds Fairs, the 1933 Chicago Fair, and the 1962 Seattle Fair. The Galaxy Guys also recall childhood memories of circuses and how sometimes movies and TV shows based on circus life would entice kids to want to run away and join the circus, and lead an exciting life! All this plus lots of memories from the past, some fun Retro-Commercials and some great musical numbers. See you at the fair, with Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

On June 29, 2012, Mike B, Smitty, and Mike Z broadcast a live, two-hour episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site over KOPA-FM in Pala, California. The broadcast originated from the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar, California. On this first part of that broadcast, the Galaxy Guys tell you about the sights and sounds of the fair. The carnival atmosphere, smells of the food, and a look at some of the rides. Mike B shares the story of the Del Mar Race Track and Fair, going back to the 1930s and involving such legendary celebrities as Bing Crosby, Pat O'Brien, and Jimmy Durante. The Galaxy Guys also recall some famous movies and TV episodes of the past having to do with fairs, circuses and carnivals. All this plus lots of memories from the past, some fun Retro-Commercials and some great musical numbers. See you at the fair, with Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

It's the Dog Days of Summer here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site as Mike and Smitty recall all the fun things we did while on summer vacation after we got our fill of doing all of the normal things kids would do on summer break, such as riding bikes, running through sprinklers, or joining mom on a shopping trip. When your creative juices got going and you would take apart or dissect an old appliance, radio, or any other mechanical or electrical item and open it up to see what's inside and what made it work. This was also a great chance to use Dad's prize tools from the toolbox! In the days before multiple TV channels, cell phones, Ipods, and X-Boxes, kids activities centered around playing outside and oftentimes this would include coming across an abandoned item that could provide hours of fun while it was taken apart to see what made it tick. Lots of memories certain to evoke a few of your own. We also look back at the 60th anniversary of one of the best remembered episodes of "I Love Lucy", as well as the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Our Retro-Commercial is with Tony the Tiger pitching those great Sugar Frosted Flakes, also celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. Tune in to Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

This episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site features an interview with Art Astor, legendary radio broadcast executive. Mr. Astor has been involved in the world of radio and television broadcasting since the late 1940s. He is the owner and president of Astor Broadcast Group, located in Anaheim California. Mr. Astor tells us all about his life in the world of radio. From a very young age Mr. Astor was fascinated by radio, and from that young age, he was influenced to make radio his life and career. He is uniquely qualified to talk to us about all aspects of broadcasting since he has experience in sales, performing, management, and representing radio stations around the country. This interview was recorded at his museum, the Astor Classics Museum, also in Anaheim, California. There, his collection of beautifully restored radios, televisions, phonographs, home entertainment devices, slot machines, gas pumps, and classic automobiles from the 1930s to the 1960s are on display. The Astor Event Center, located at the Museum, is available to host parties, wedding receptions, dances, and many other kinds of social gatherings. This is an enjoyable look back at radio from a management and business point of view, and is a delightful interview as Mr. Astor tells us about his life experiences as well as describing a few select items from his museum. Our Retro Commercials are for A&W, Edsel for 1959, and Dr. Pepper. Join us at the Astor Museum on this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we remember 35 millimeter film strips, that teaching tool used in many classrooms from the 50s through the 80s. Mike Z takes us back to a time when film strips and motion picture films were high-tech in the classrooms. The guys also recall some funny anecdotes about being in school during those years that most people who grew up in that era will remember. Next we talk about Smog Alerts, that Los Angeles phenomenon that Mike B and George remember very well. There was a time when the air would get so bad, that you could not play outside and you had to limit your physical activity. How did people cope with this? Tune in and find out. Our Retro-Commercial is for Wink Soda from Canada Dry. Come on in and keep cool with Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

Remember the fascination that was early color TV? On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, Smitty and Mike Z recall the early history of color TV. From the technology that made color pictures through the air possible, to some of the color programming itself which is so well-remembered. If you have memories of watching color TV shows in the late 50s and 60s, listen in and we'll talk about some of those shows. Next, Mike B salutes Casey Kasem, the legendary radio personality who has just recently celebrated his 80th birthday. We remember Casey's days as a Los Angeles radio personality and as a national celebrity with his syndicated programs and notable appearances in movies and television. Next, Mike B and George talk about bun-busting moves: roller skating and skateboards in the early days. Being able to roll along on skateboards, before they were commercially available, in the days when you would make your own out of an old pair of roller skates and a piece of scrap lumber. Also we recall the roller skating rinks of the past when you would gather with others to skate to organ or pre-recorded music. Our Retro-Commercials are for Prunes...yes Prunes. And another great Trans-World Airlines commercial. Jump on board with Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!

Recently here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we presented a program commemorating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the luxury liner Titanic. We received many comments, and e-mails from many of you expressing great interest in this topic. After reviewing what we covered on that episode, we found that there were many more facts that we wanted to present to you, particularly what became of a few of the survivors, and further accounts of that event covered in later books. So on this episode, we revisit Titanic once again, and bring you some additional facts you may not have heard, and more information for you Titanic fans out there. Our Retro-Commercial is for Bromo-Seltzer. Thanks for joining us here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!