Svengoolie

July 4- Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue Line?!

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:06:11 -0600

Happy Fourth of July! Woo hoo! Wave your flag! Barbeque your chicken!( If you wear enough sunscreen, maybe your chicken won’t be as barb- okay, this is getting stupid…)
Anyway, it’s a three-day holiday weekend, and today will probably be the big day in most communities…with the parades, fireworks, etc. Many are the Independence days that I’ve had to work, often on location, such as at the Taste of Chicago, but your pal Mr. Goolie has the day off today.
I don’t know about you, but my neighborhood has sounded like a war zone for the past few nights- there are a few too many people with access to fireworks of various kinds around. Now, granted, I enjoy fireworks- and, honestly, I’ve set of quite a few in my day. More on that in a moment- but, in my neighborhood, they’ve been blowing off some big-time stuff. The other late night, about 1:30 or 2:00 am- there was a HUGE explosion that woke us all up- and it turned out to be some nimrod setting off some infernal combustible- most likely a quarter stick of dynamite, a “firework” that is highly illegal. It sounded like a truck fell off a cliff into an earthquake.
I’ve never been a fan of those just plain LOUD fireworks- that just make a huge deafening noise. As I said, I’ve set off a few sparkly fireworks here and there. I’m especially partial to skyrockets, that go really high and make lovely lights. I’ve set these off while on vacation in other states, and have tried to be very careful with them. I actually don’t do that anymore- old heart patient Goolie just shouldn’t be running away like a madman as fuses burn down! I still love seeing the lights in the sky, though…and I’ve done my share of stupid things. There were these little tiny deals that looked like a small tube with little wings on each side, with a fuse you would light-and it would spin up into the air, making a sort of buzzing sound. Well, every time I’d light one, the thing would rise up in the air and –head straight for me! EVERY- SINGLE-TIME !!! I don’t know if I was doing something wrong or not, but it kept happening. One that I really liked was a small tube that you’d light, and it would turn into a spinning light, exceptionally bright, and changing colors as it spun in a tight circle. No, it didn’t chase me.
PLEASE- try not to blow stuff off that will injure yourself or others. Do as I say, not like I used to do. I’m lucky I still have two fingers to type these blogs with…especially with buzzing things zeroing in on me….

July 3- Chicago Stuff That Should Still Be Around

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:05:28 -0600

In yesterday’s Sun Times, there was an article in the Showcase section by the entertaining Ms. Paige Wiser, regarding things that were in Chicago that should make a comeback. She wrote this article as a response to an AOL Money list of 25 things that they wished would make a comeback- so, Paige asked a few Chicagoans what THEY wish would return here in the Windy City.
Bob Sirott wanted to see the old Buffalo Ice Cream shop back, among other things. I’m sure he’d also like to see his beloved Cubs return to a World Series as well…author Bill Zehme misses the Playboy Building (complete with lit-up sign on top) and Mr. Kelly’s, the hot night spot of years past. And- one
“Son of Svengoolie” (Paige, Paige! I’ve been just Svengoolie since 1995! But I still love ya) had a few suggestions.
One was the old Olson Rug Indian waterfall display. When I talk about this, some people act like I dreamed it up, but NO! It DID exists (Paige even found a picture!)-it was on Pulaski at Diversey, by the Olson factory (now a Marshall Field …oops… Macy’s building.) It was a full-blown rock garden with Native American figures, teepees, and even a waterfall, plus a great phony full moon hanging overhead! The funny thing is- my family and I used to drive by it, and be amazed by it- but never once set foot there! I wish we had- but now, it’s too late- Olson Rug display went to happy hunting ground.
I also mention that I miss drive-in movie theaters- there are so few now- and there’s a lot of people who never got to experience the fun of these showplaces. Not to mention the varying quality of the snack bars, or the countdown film, with the clock being moved by an elf who kept stuffing himself with snack bar treats, or, the hot dog refusing to leap into the bun.
What drama!
I also brought up the JoJo’s chain of restaurants (somebody find me a place that makes that “Santiago Skillet!”)-and, as a nod to my pals in the downsizing newspaper biz, I mentioned fully-staffed newspapers.
I got an e-mail from Gary, who recalled the display, and even sent a copy of a postcard his family had of it! His family actually DID spend time on the premises there. I also got an e-mail from Gil, who said that I should have stated that I wish more programming like the stuff I do would make a comeback.
Right you are, Gil…at least I’m still doing it, thanks to the auspices of our fine stations.
Is there something YOU wish would make a comeback inn the Chicago area? Please e-mail it to me at svengoolie@wciu.com
And maybe it’ll be a new blog down the line…

July 2- The Check Arrives! And Checking Out Flashback Costumes

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:37:21 -0600

Before I go any further- let me announce- my economic stimulus check has arrived! I wrote earlier that I had not received it yet, in spite of having a very low last few digits on my Social Security number. Well, finally- only about a month and a half later than the original plan indicated- it arrived. Hey, I’m not complaining- as long as I got it, I don’t mind the
delay! It’ll be gone in no time, mostly to pay bills, not for the frivolous spending the government had hoped would be its use…
But, now, let’s get back to my tales of last Saturday’s visit to the Flashback Weekend horror convention… we had just bid goodbye to the lovely Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, after our historic on-stage first meeting (and, seriously, I worried about her making it down the stairs off the stage in that confining dress- but, I guess, with her years of negotiating things in it, she’s an expert at it!)-it was time for the annual costume contest.
As always, we started off with the kids category- and I was surprised that this year, we only had TWO entrants! Note to kids and parents- why not suit up next year? You’ve got a good chance of winning! One of the entrants was a little girl who’s had great costumes every year- she was a zombie girl, a wicked axe-wielding little Dorothy from “Wizard of Oz,” Little DEAD Riding Hood, and this year- she was a cool amalgam-
Zombie Alice Cooper in Wonderland! However, she was bested by a young lady who was Tippi Hedren from “the Birds”- complete with black birds all over her coat, some lovely make-up beak and claw marks, etc. The crowd got a real laugh out of that one- almost as big a laugh as when her prize was announced as – “a bag of stuff!”
Then came the adult contest, and it was a cavalcade of great costumes-a couple wordless Jason Voorhees clones, an accurate Barnabas Collins, a towering perfect KISS Gene Simmons, a funny duplicate of the original Svengoolie (the Jerry G. Bishop version) –the Joker-and plenty more, all really impressive (although some one could explain the injured taco guy to me)- our winners- the Red Riding Hood family, with the Hooded one, the grandma wolf, and the heroic woodsman- the Zombie Girl Scout (a huge favorite with the crowd)- and the big winner- a “Planet of the Apes” gorilla warrior who said (and acted like) he was a male stripper!
Flashback is always a great time both for me and all who attend- we WILL be showing highlights on the show in the future-including the Elvira meeting- most likely in September- we’ll warn you about when they’ll appear right here!

July 1- The Historic Meeting of Svengoolie and Elvira !

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:44:17 -0600

The 2008 version of “Flashback Weekend”- the great yearly horror convention- was a total blast, once again- and, yes, indeed, the site of the historic meeting of your truly and the

Legendary Elvira- Mistress of the Dark!

Things began, as usual, as we were whisked by our fine one-man security force -Big Don- to the atrium signing area. Already on duty were our pals from Horrorbles with lots of goodies for sale for me to sign-and our Sven crew- director Chris, editor and sound guy “Hit the Theme” Kevin, camera

Man Phil, and promotion guy and Sven “right hand man”

Jim- were quickly in place to cover the event, sell some Sven t-shirts, and keep the looong line moving!(Kevin had just come over to the Crowne Plaza from the Wizard World comics event down the street, where our pal Superstar artist Alex Ross was kind enough to wear his Sven shirt while doing his signing!) Maybe you recall my writing in a previous blog that I worry about, someday, there being very few people in line? Well, no such problem, as, again, this year there was a long line waiting to come visit with me, get autographs, take pictures, and ask pertinent Sven questions for which they’ve always wanted the answers!

As always- everybody was so nice! You Sven fans are such terrific people! Your kind words and affection for your old pal Goolie is so touching, and I’ve always said- I doubt I’d be still be doing this if it didn’t mean so much to you guys! Again, along the line, I got tom meet people now involved in the movie business, literature, and comics, who told me that I was a definite influence in their lives, which is so great to hear!

Once again, we had to have someone stop the line at one point, so I would be able to get to our next destination- the stage- for some questions and answers, and the big costume contest. We had answered some questions from the crowd, and then announced the movies we’d have as the successors to the Universal classics, which got a great reaction- and then- in walked ELVIRA ! The crowd’s surprised reaction was tremendous, as she took the stage and did a couple minutes with me. We improvised, and traded lines as if it were a rehearsed comedy routine- and it was true horror host history!

When I spoke to her later, she was so nice, and very complimentary- she told me that she’d been hearing good things about me for YEARS (?!) and was happy to finally meet me, and that she thought we did so well together on stage-how flattering was that?! She was so very nice, very generous, and, yes, guys- she really is gorgeous! We’ll definitely be showing that historic on stage meeting –yep, we got it on tape- in a future show- check back here for fair warning about when it will be on! And- come back tomorrow for more about Flashback Weekend and the costume contest! # # #

June 30- It’s a Short Week, After All!Not to go all Disney ride on you, but, it’s a short week, after all

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:31:02 -0600

Not to go all Disney ride on you, but, it’s a short week, after all
(NOT “small world!” believe it or not, I actually DID get stuck on that ride- it ground to a halt- but only for a minute, so I wasn’t totally brainwashed!) With this Friday off, and the three-day Fourth of July weekend this year, I’m guessing a lot of people either will be bailing out early this week- or just taking the week off.
I had a busy past few days- Friday we were in the studio, taping a bunch of stuff, Saturday was, of course, Flashback Weekend (more about that in tomorrow’s blog) and Sunday was the one day off I had to try to catch up on the usual weekend chores- so, getting that extra day later this week actually will be a welcome thing…
For a lot of people, the Fourth of July is kind of a warning day- that summer is already about a third over, and you’d better start taking advantage of it- or it will be gone faster than
the last cheeseburger left on the grill. Mmmm-cheeseburger. Speaking of which, I recently got some chipotle ketchup that is the perfect condiment for those cheeseburgers. Believe it or not, it comes from the barbeque and restaurant company owned by WWE wrestling announcer Jim “Good Ol’ J.R.” Ross. He also has some tasty barbeque sauces and even beef jerky-none of which leaves you with the sensation of being hit in the mouth with a steel folding chair-quite the opposite. If you’d like to check it out, go to jrsbarbq.com .
I always have enjoyed grilling- started doing it at my folks’ house, and they had a great built-in gas grill by their patio.
We’d cook all sorts of stuff there, and I liked doing the cooking.
I still enjoy it- though it almost seems that I do more of it when we’re on vacation than when we’re at home! I love to do barbeques country ribs- the ones without the bones. Another favorite is kabobs- with beef, chicken, or especially scallops.
Barbequed chicken and steaks are always a welcome addition to the diet…granted, the steak is not something I should have a lot, as a person with heart problems, but, once in a while…like…when I’m on vacation…I’ve even done barbequed salmon, which is much healthier for me, on the grill…but NEVER- I repeat NEVER- rubber chickens. Enough with that already!
So- let’s count down the few days until that 3-day weekend. Don’t worry- there will still be a Sven show in the air Saturday, holiday weekend or not!

June 29- Goodbye, Universal Flicks- Hello…?

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:01:01 -0600

I’ve made no secret of the fact that our great deal to bring you loyal Sven viewers the Universal classics- generously carried out by our boss Neal Sabin- would not last forever. In fact- it will be expiring at the very end of next month.

It’s been so great to be able to once again host these flicks- the monster movies that, as many people said, we were introduced to and grew up on, on television- that had been absent from local broadcast TV for well over a decade. I’m happy that we’ve introduced the originals to kids and teen who had NEVER seen them before. The response of you viewers has been exactly what we expected- you’ve been enjoying reliving the memories with these classics.

Yes, we’ve gotten complaints- from people who didn’t like repetition of some flicks too close together. Yes, we’ve gotten complaints that there hasn’t been enough “Svensurround.” Yes, we’ve gotten complaints that there has been too much black and white. And, yes- we’ve had people complain that wee weren’t showing the really shlocky 80s and 90s stuff. But, overall, the response has been fantastic.

So- what’s next? WHAT’S NEXT?!

Here’s your answer, Sven fans- first of all, August will bring a variety of classic Sven shows, a couple of our well-received “TV Graveyard” shows, and more- as we move into September, we’ll repeat a few Universal flicks, thanks to a new contract that retains a handful of the Universal movies (sorry, no biggies with Frankenstein, Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, etc.)-THEN- be prepared for a variety of great stuff!

We’ve gotten a load of movies from Sony/Columbia- that include some Ray Harryhausen stop-action classics, like “Earth VS the Flying Saucers” and “10 Million Miles to Earth” featuring the incredible Ymir!-and on to his “Sinbad” and “Jason” (not the hockey masked one) flicks! We get some cool William Castle flicks, some with the dangerous Joan Crawford,

Plus “Thirteen Ghosts”- the cult classic “Mr. Sardonicus”-and

Vincent Price in “the Tingler!”

But wait- there’s more- you’re going to see –the ORIGINAL “Blob!” And- how about “The Howling?” Or “John Carpenter’s

‘Vampires’? And even – “And Now For Something Completely Different”?! (Well- it IS something completely different!)That’s just a taste of what we’ll having coming up for you in the next

couple of years!…hey- I guess that means I might still be around here that long! Woo hoo! # # #

June 28- Man Oh Mantis! Sven Gets Bugged Big-Time Tonight!

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:01:01 -0600

Okay- one more brief plug- I’m at Flashback Weekend in Rosemont TODAY-starting at 2 pm-(get details, as always, at

www.flashbackweekend.com) It’s always a great time, and a highlight of every year for me. You can see a few scenes from last year’s Flashback Weekend during tonight’s show, in fact- speaking of which…

Tonight at 9 on “the U” (1 am on “Me-TV”) it’s another 1950s Universal classic- as a large prehistoric preying insect that’s been frozen in the Arctic ice for years is suddenly freed- and even a huge No-Pest strip won’t stop- “the Deadly Mantis!”

This 1957 insect invasion has lots of stock footage in it- footage of the frozen north, of military bases being built, of fighter planes hitting the air- all woven into the story of the titanic mantis reviving, and heading south to warmer climates like it was used to back in the prehistoric times. We get the dashing Craig Stevens as our military hero- you might know him from “Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hyde”-but most likely more from the “Peter Gunn” TV series.

Our lead scientist hero is another familiar face to classic TV viewers- William Hopper, who was Raymond Burr’s co-worker Paul Drake on “Perry Mason!” These two team up to fight the mantis that makes its way from the frozen north towards the U.S., snacking on Eskimos, pilots, and even bus travelers.

While the film “Tarantula” used a lot of magnified shots of a real tarantula, the mantis is usually an artificial construction in this flick- watch for the one REAL mantis scene as it climbs the Washington Monument!

We’ve got the usual Sven fun mixed in as well, including a favorite song parody- of Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab!” Plus, as I said, some highlights from LAST year’s flashback- hopefully, we’ll have shots from THIS year in a future show!

Okay, and here’s a little warning and/or hint- if you like the movie “straight”- that is, as presented in the theater- watch it or tape it this week- BECAUSE- in a couple weeks, Universal had it scheduled to run again (I know-so soon?)- SO- for the people who have been BEGGING us for a “Svensurround” fix- well, let’s just say, you’ll be getting your wish. ‘Nuff said, as Stan Lee used to say…

All right! Hope to see you at Flashback Weekend today- and/or- hope you see ME tonight with the “Deadly Mantis!”

By the way- come back here tomorrow for a special announcement about what we’ve got in store fro you, once our Universal movie contract expires! # # #

June 27- Sven –Live (?!) and In Person- at Flashback Tomorrow!

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:48:55 -0600

Let me remind you that this weekend isn’t just ANY weekend- it’s Flashback Weekend! This is the yearly horror convention that everybody looks forward to- happening about a month earlier than usual this year- and I’m happy to once again be a part of it.
The convention goes from today-Friday June 27- through Sunday June 29- and I’ll be there Saturday afternoon ONLY.
An entrance fee for the convention is required, but, believe me, you will get more than your money’s worth, with all the great guests (the one and only Elvira-Mistress of the Dark- George Romero and a “Night of the Living Dead” reunion, Angus Scrimm – “the Tall Man” - and Don Coscarelli of “Phantasm” fame- Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” reunion- and so much more!)- events, AND the huge dealer room, chock full of horror merchandise- this is definitely the place to get great horror items you might not find elsewhere!
Right now, here’s our schedule- we will be signing autographs, posing for pictures, etc, from 2-4 pm. (Fair warning-PLEASE try to get in line early, because, if the crowds are anything like past years, we don’t want to turn anybody away. With that said, how would it be to have NO Sven fans show up this year, and I’ll be sitting at that table, with the sound of crickets in my ears, and a tumbleweed rolling through the atrium? I kind of doubt that will happen, just from the e-mails I’ve been getting…)I know our sponsor Horrorbles will be there every day, and be selling magazines, rubber chickens, etc.-and, last I heard, they will have Ted Okuda and Mark Yurkiw- the authors of the fine book “Chicago TV Horror Movie Shows: from Shock Theatre to Svengoolie” at the convention Sunday for a signing! And, yes, we will bring a limited number of Sven t-shirts for sale…not to mention free “U” and “Me-TV “ buttons! Then, around 4:15, I’ll head up on stage- hopefully have time for a brief question and answer session-not to mention making the first real announcement of what we’ll be showing AFTER the Universal package expires and then I’ll host the always amazing, always fun costume contest! I’m always astounded by the great creativity that our contestants
show in designing impressive horror costumes. Get a seat early for this one (AND the “Zombie Pin-Up Contest that will follow!)
I hope to meet YOU at Flashback Weekend tomorrow! Get all the information at www.flashbackweekend.com - and don’t forget to bring your camera!

June 26- The Chicago Area- a Summer Magnet!!!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:27:50 -0600

As this weekend looms before us, I was just struck by the fact that this area really is a magnet, especially at this time of year- so many people are drawn here by various events, and get to enjoy what a great part of the Midwest this is!
Naturally, I’ve got people arriving to visit me and all the other cool people and events at Flashback Weekend (more on that tomorrow- comeback and check it out!) There are old friends, loyal fans who have watched me since the “old days” when I was “Son of Svengoolie”, new fans who have just gotten into the show, people I have become acquainted with via e-mailed messages that I will have the opportunity to met in person for the very first time, folks who have never seen my show, but have read about it, seen on-line clips, and are looking forward to meeting me, people in the business that I only get to see occasionally, like Nick DiGilio of WGN, old friends who help stage the event…always a great time, and a great time to be in the Chicago area.
Also going on, just down the block from the Crowne Plaza, is the yearly Wizard World comics convention. Wouldn’t you know it- at the same time I’m occupied at Flashback, my pal Alex Ross is over there! Some of my other friends from the comics and entertainment industries will be there as well-here’s hoping they’ll be able to steal a few moments to come visit us at Flashback!(And hey- bring me some cool comics stuff!)Speaking of Alex, rumor has it he will be appearing with my friends Steve and Johnnie tonight on WGN Radio (720AM)
around 11:30 or so. Make sure you listen!
And- this weekend is the beginning of the city’s biggest summer party- the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park! Plenty of food, fun and fireworks every year- not to mention some of the worst displays of tank top/shorts combinations ever. Plus, you’ll be surprised by how many foods can be served on a stick. As I’ve mentioned before, most of my time spent at the taste has been while I was there working for radio or TV, and, no, I won’t be doing either there this year, to my knowledge.
We’d always get some very tasty stuff there- and while the whole idea was to try new dishes, when we were working and had to grab something in a hurry, we’d usually opt for a good old Chicago style Vienna hot dog or some Bacino’s heart-healthy pizza. I always remember the Bacino’s guys showing how to spin and flip pizza dough, and they’d provide me with a rubber pizza dough circle (much like our rubber chickens, I guess) so I could practice, and, of course, totally louse it up.
Wow- looks to be a great weekend, and, in fact, some great weeks of fun coming up. Check back here for more info on where I’ll be appearing this summer-as I said, tomorrow, lots of info on Flashback Weekend!

June 25-More Carlin Chatter

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:19:57 -0600

I’ve been getting a lot of feedback regarding the late George Carlin- obviously, he was a favorite of many people, most of whom seem to know him mainly from his hip “counter-culture” persona, whereas old guys like me have fond remembrances of him as an early- mid 60s stand-up comic in a suit and tie, as well as his later, even greater career.
Regarding his being influenced by Lenny Bruce, we discussed that the timeline seemed off, since Bruce died in 1966, and George didn’t adopt his more free-wheeling, hip image until around early 1970 (he said he first grew his beard while in the hospital for a hernia operation!) My pal Dean Richards from WGN also concurs that, while George didn’t change his act overnight upon seeing Bruce’s act, it was an influence that he took seriously years later. In yesterday’s Sun Times, there was even a picture of Lenny Bruce being arrested at a night club in Chicago, with what appears to be a young George Carlin, age 25, right behind him! (In a side note, the guy next to Lenny, who may be a detective or something, looks sort of like a young Bill Murray!)
I mentioned how I loved George’s original first solo album back in the mid 60s –“Take Offs and Put Ons”- which included great bits like his deejay spoof “Wonderful Wino”- the “Indian Sargent” – his idea that the Native Americans depicted in cowboys shows must’ve had an organizing force, like in the Army- a great game show parody bit, and, of course, “the Hippy Dippy Weatherman.” I have a reprint copy of the vinyl album, reissued years later, with a cartoon drawing of the bearded Carlin- but, a fried of mine had the original pressing, and I always loved the cover- it was a big bunch of those photo strips you used to get from the photo booth machines- you know, four poses for a quarter-and all of them were George, in his suit and tie, making different faces. I could look at it endlessly- the different faces were hilarious, and, each one was conveying a different sort of character. It just reminds me what a great legacy he has- he made us laugh. A lot. Another giant has left us.
Meanwhile, for us mere mortal bottom-feeder comics, don’t forget that I’ll be appearing this weekend on Saturday afternoon at the Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention- at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont.
Come back for more information in a future blog- or, get all the info now at www.flashbackweekend.com …if you’ve been wanting to meet me- get my autograph- or get your picture taken with me-plus- meet other great horror genre personalities and browse tons of cool horror merchandise- here’s your chance! As I said- more to come…

June 24-Closing the Curtain on Carlin

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:06:20 -0600

First off, let me thank the Chicago Sun Times for the plug in
their Chicago-pedia yesterday- it’s a feature where they give local words or phrase that, as they put it define how our city lives. Yesterday’s entry was- Berwyn! The definitions – 1.a working-class bungalow-laden suburb just west of Cicero.
2.A North side avenue that boasts a Red Line L stop. 3. Punch line to a long running gag by “Svengoolie”- on locally produced Saturday night horror and sci-fi movie show. Whenever Sven says Berwyn, he’s echoed by a resounding “BERRR-WYNNN!”
It’s always cool to be considered a part of the fabric of this city- not to mention- Berwyn…
Now, on to our main subject- the passing of comedian George Carlin. He passed away Sunday at he age of 71, a victim of heart disease- something I have, unfortunately, become well acquainted with.
I first heard George back in the 60s, when his “Hippy-Dippy Weatherman” bit was so popular; it was even played on the Top 40 rock and roll stations. It was a cut off his comedy album “Take-Offs and Put-Ons”-which had a number of very funny bits on it. Back then, he was a typical, dark tie, white shirt, and dark suit wearing stand up comic, with slicked back hair-and was hilarious. He was also a radio guys, having been a partner at one point with Jack Burns (who later paired with Avery Schreiber, and did the taxi-cab bit with the “Huh?” “Yeah!” “Huh?” “Yeah!” hook in it.)He and Jack both did the same big-mouth guy voice, so that, if one if them got to the station late, the other guy could do the voice in bits, so it sounded like they were both there! He went on to do stand-up by himself, and hit it big with his “Al Sleet- the ‘Hippy-Dippy Weatherman” bit, in which he was a cool, somewhat stoned weather anchor.
Eventually, he dropped the suit and tie, let his hair and beard grow, and became a more observational comic, lacing his act with some obscenities. He became a counter-culture sensation, getting big fame for his wordplay bits, including his famous “7 Words You Can’t Say on Television” bit, which also got him into trouble here and there. Carlin said that he decided to evolve into the hipper, more scatological comedy persona after seeing Lenny Bruce on stage here in Chicago! That doesn’t quite make sense, since Lenny Bruce died in 1966, and Carlin didn’t go “long hair” until around 1970 or so- but, I’m sure the Lenny influence was there, nonetheless.
A lot has been made of Carlin’s drug use, which may have contributed to his long-time battle with heart disease.
I have one really vivid memory of Carlin- he was on some talk show, where they had a bunch of comedy people on, taking phone calls- someone called in and asked Carol Burnett what he should do, to become a comedian. “Well, of course, you should go to college…” she said, at which point Carlin jumped on the line and said “hey, this is George-you don’t have to go to school to become a comedian- you have to do comedy- do whatever you can to perform and work on your act.” I’m sure carol was just presenting the idea that, you should finish school to have something to fall back on if your comedy career never makes it- but, it was cool that George suggested that the ay to become a comedian- is to do comedy. That’s what he did- and he was tremendous at it.

June 23-Monday Meanderings of the Mindless

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:54:13 -0600

Well, another week has begun- and I have no single coherent topic to expound on today, so- let’s just take a sampling of whatever’s rattling around inside my little tiny brain…
I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding “what’s next?” on our show, as far as what we’ll be running when the Universal
Classics package expires at the end of July. Well, I plan to make an announcement about what the future holds when I’m on-stage at Flashback Weekend this Saturday- but, if you can’t make it, never fear- I’ll spill the beans right here in the blog shortly after. I think you’ll like what we have coming up for you starting this fall. Our boss Neal Sabin, who worked very diligently for a long time to get the Universal stuff, continues working to get truly decent features for the show-
and is STILL working to get more for when the next stuff runs out! I hope you appreciate his solid support of the Svengoolie program.
People also ask about Sven shirts- will there be a new design?
FYI-we’re working on it- but, right now, our best–selling shirt ever- the “It Came from Berwyn” design-continues to sell extremely well. (By the way- the one question we always get about upcoming shirts- “will they glow in the dark?”-seems to indicate to us that we should retain that quality!) Meanwhile, nobody seems too interested in my idea of marketing “Svengoolie’s Rubber Chicken Jerky”…
I got a puzzling letter from a Milwaukee viewer, asking that we send him a “Svengoolie information packet.” I don’t think we’ve ever mentioned such a thing, much less offered one. Anybody know what he’s referring to?
A viewer asked me recently what might be the stupidest question I’ve been asked (other than THIS one, he specified!)
I think one of the front-runners was the one that started “How long were you Wizzo?”
A couple things that I’ve noticed when I do appearances- before, about one in ten people had a camera- nowadays, everybody has a camera! Plus, more people have chickens, etc, for me to sign. Just so you know, to make sure I get to the maximum number of people, there are sometimes events where they ask that I only sign ONE item per person. They just want to make sure that we won’t have anyone waiting in line who gets shut out, without an autograph, I always try to specify that they should have a line –stopper- in the event there’s a continuous line, and when it’s getting close to my scheduled departure time, that they station someone at the end of the line, who will politely tell people that the line ends there, and we can’t sign for anyone further. We do our best to make sure nobody stands in line, only to be told that Mr. Goolie has to leave before they get to the front.(Hint- get in line early to guarantee you’ll get to see me!)

June 22-Cross-town Rivalry-Across Two Towns?!

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:53:31 -0600

I’ve been witnessing the above-mentioned rivalry this weekend- and, no, it’s not the White Sox versus the Cubs…
It’s Berwyn versus Cicero!!!
I guess I was not aware that there was such a rivalry- but the two nearby suburban towns have been at odds for years, I’m told. When I made my Friday night appearance at the Cicero American Fest (and thanks for the hospitality, everyone!)-there was a rival Berwyn Centennial festival going on in the next-door town. Many of the Cicero folks mentioned the on-going friction between the two towns- please, can’t we all just get along? Both places are full of hard-working, down to earth people- who have shown me great kindness and affection. Both places keep trying to raise the bar, as far as cultural offerings for their citizens (remember my blog about the mummy exhibit they were trying to bring to Cicero?) I’ve had some good times-and some great food- in both Cicero and Berywn! And, though I’ve probably spent more time in Berywn,
I’d be very happy to be invited back to Cicero…and, no, you won’t be hearing the cry of “CICERO?” replacing “BERWYN?” on our shows… Meanwhile- if you didn’t get to visit with me there last Friday- don’t forget that this Saturday, I’ll be at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention in Rosemont- if you didn’t see the info on the show, check out my blog later this week- or just go to their website- www.flashbackweekend.com !!!
The White Sox/Cubs rivalry continues this summer, both parks almost equidistant from Cicero and Berwyn…I’ve been asked to appear at White Sox park a few times, including that one “Turn back the Clock” night where I had the honor of meeting Jack Brickhouse- and meeting Jerry “the Beaver” Mathers and Ken “Eddie Haskell” Osmond for a second time (they didn’t remember the first time-when they did both a full morning of radio with me, and an evening event at a nightclub-but, it was about 6 years previous to the Sox game!)
I was kind of disheartened to see them making fun of fans who came to see them (once the fans had left) and telling each other “okay, it’s your turn to be “on” when the next ones come over.” They seemed to be very tired of meeting the fans- but, when that’s the only way they’re making any money at this point- you’d think they’d have a little better attitude about doing it. If I EVER get to that point, that’s when I’m going to hang up the rubber chicken. (At this point- Barbara Billingsley would ask me-“Oh, Sven- aren’t you being a little too stern the Beaver?”)

June 21- Bud, Lou and an Invisible Who?

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 01:52:36 -0600

Tonight at 9 (1 am on Me-TV)- you can meet an invisible man, along with two very visible morons- as we bring back “Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man!”
Bud and Lou graduate from detective school- and end up alternating between trying to clear a boxer who’s been framed for murder- and turning him in! Things are complicated by the fact that the boxer uses the original potion used by the “Invisible Man” himself- as played in the classic film by Claude Rains- to become transparent and escape the police- but, as he uses his invisibility to find the truth about who framed him and actually committed the murder he’s accused of- the negative effects of the invisibility formula begin to work on his mind!
There are some funny scenes with Lou pretending to be a boxer, with the invisible pugilist supplying the actual fisticuffs- and some familiar sights as well. Watch for the place Bud and Lou go to, to find the doctor with the invisibility potion- it’s the same house later used as the Munsters home!!!
Also, you’ll see the actor-producer Sheldon Leonard-who made a career of playing tough guys and gangsters-not to mention the bartender Nick in “It’s a Wonderful Life” (“Out you pixies go- out da door or t’rough da window!”) who later produced shows like “I Spy!” You’ll also see William Frawley- more familiar as Fred Mertz in “I Love Lucy!”
This film was originally supposed to be part of the over-all ‘Invisible Man” series-coming after “Invisible Agent” and “Invisible Woman”- but, once Bud and Lou had so much success with their classic “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”- Universal wanted to continue raking in the cash by pairing them up with characters on their monster roster. Somebody must’ve thought that their brief brush with the Invisible Man at the end of the Frankenstein flick wasn’t enough- although it would have been pretty cool to have Vincent Price, who voiced that Invisible Man, play him in this flick! Nonetheless, the original script was re-written to feature Abbott and Costello, and they even re-use a few scenes from
“Invisible Man Returns” (which DID star Price) in this one.
We again show how the invisible effects were done-especially the black and white “luma-keying” effect- so, you can learn while you laugh when you tune in “Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man”-tonight on Svengoolie!

June 20- See You in Cicero Tonight-and Berwyn Bat Bites?!

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:29:19 -0600

Okay, quick review- I will be at the big Cicero American Fest tonight from 6-8 pm, signing autographs, chickens, posing for pictures, etc. The event takes place at 50th Ave. and 25th Street. Come out and visit with me!
Meanwhile, right next door in Berwyn- some strange things are happening. Shaynie, who lives in Berwyn and always watches our program along with her husband, sent me an
e-mail with some disturbing news.
Over the past few days, there have been three reports of- gasp-BAT BITES IN BERWYN!!! Yes, innocent Berwyn residents being bitten by bats. Shaynie says that one of them was a neighbor of hers (the bitten person, not the bat.)The neighbor was walking from her house to her car, and a bat flew at her and bit her on the neck. YES- on the neck! As Shaynie says –“It Came from Berwyn, indeed!”
Okay- is this the beginning of a perfect b-movie? I can see it now- “Bats Over Berwyn!” The lovely little town is going about its usual business, when suddenly- there are these little incidents of citizens being nipped on the neck. Seems innocent enough- until those bitten start to show a strange tendency towards avoiding sunlight-and their tastes change from the traditional Berwyn mushrooms to- human blood! Yow- it’s an increase in vampirism, and the townspeople begin to fear the attacks of bats and bloodsuckers!
Obviously, the town needs help- so they call on the one person they know of who has the most knowledge about vampires-the
legendary local TV horror host- Svengoolie! Sven comes out to Berwyn, making the horror collectibles store Horrorbles his base of operations- and sets out to discover where the original bats are coming from- and who has sent them to plague the town!
Eventually, Sven discovers that a local developer, fairly new in town, who seems intent on changing local shopping centers, is actually a descendant of-Dracula! He is, however, from the Bohemian branch of the Dracula clan- hence his attraction to Berwyn. He decides to attack Sven by sending gradually larger and larger vampire bats after him, finally attacking him himself, in the guise of a huge bat! Sven uses a hastily constructed silver spike to skewer first the Dracula bat, then the others, in decreasing size. Soon, the plague is over- and Berywn has a new “Spindle” structure- but this time, with bats instead of cars!
We’ll get this into production as soon as financing becomes available, unless the bat bites actually subside. Hmmm… or, should I use the financing to open a fast food place- “Bat Bites?” Or a computer store- “Bat Bytes?”…I think this whole thing bites…
June 20- See You in Cicero Tonight-and Berwyn Bat Bites?!