tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10958569396146257502024-02-20T15:48:26.249-08:00A FLY AND A FLEAPop culture curios, vintage mementos, kitsch-y stuff and other flea market accumulations from an incurable collector.Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.comBlogger384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-64611025456825010472018-01-10T00:33:00.000-08:002021-06-17T04:43:23.948-07:00387. Made in Occupied Japan: ASIAN COUPLE FIGURINES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio54j7rnspCf3uSTZX-816oD-O1R8pdrsYaBlorcOI0eSMabfNUd_nTcH6WnIptFsrTfLylley8fBPBunDcgDXfUWwklJP4lyS5gO4UudKSOCETSlxtq53tmzZCxiJeLMPtA1lODgPEpg/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio54j7rnspCf3uSTZX-816oD-O1R8pdrsYaBlorcOI0eSMabfNUd_nTcH6WnIptFsrTfLylley8fBPBunDcgDXfUWwklJP4lyS5gO4UudKSOCETSlxtq53tmzZCxiJeLMPtA1lODgPEpg/s400/IMG_0067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Made in Occupied Japan collectibles are harder to find these days, moreso a decorative pair as intact as this. "Occupied Japan" was printed on ceramics, pottery,
porcelain, toys, and other goods made during the American occupation of Japan
after World War II, from 1947 to 1952. You can say that today, they were produced in limited number which account for their collectability.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigSY9lxLSTG7mXTebwURtNFD3iAXHXkf4GkWn0mX57hCtD1ZPUjyJ4jbc_TZcl9_JqlZsGKX3irbD2DCsMe-snYoCLHEszaAkWCfcVbQ7InwYUY5vcuBa2M47fgWxp6FeQ0O8sE59gko/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigSY9lxLSTG7mXTebwURtNFD3iAXHXkf4GkWn0mX57hCtD1ZPUjyJ4jbc_TZcl9_JqlZsGKX3irbD2DCsMe-snYoCLHEszaAkWCfcVbQ7InwYUY5vcuBa2M47fgWxp6FeQ0O8sE59gko/s400/IMG_0068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
These 4.5. inch porcelain pair with "occupied Japan mark depict an Oriental Couple, but I can't pinpoint which country. Most likely, the costumes are highly-stylized versions of ancient Japanese costumes. Or they could be also composites of Korean and Japanese clothes. In any case, the figurines have very nice colorings, with paint as vibrant as the day they were made. I guess collecting more Occupied Japan pieces will keep me, well, occupied for this year! I love these kinds of vintage kitsch!!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-44577271270644146162018-01-02T22:19:00.001-08:002018-01-02T22:19:20.302-08:00386. Meeting my Match: HULK HOGAN 16' VINYL TOY, 1984<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d3yQ-1Yt54qqPczwaLSojOYYO7Kake8_8IVwp2L-hINp8VNc1uCoonmHUpDgWElikOMOSbm15caeyJXKkYfVi30DJrdNhF6zmzB1oRKlGJFfJhAKPhwuaFMEJ4-9LonHEjLUx7xeqYY/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d3yQ-1Yt54qqPczwaLSojOYYO7Kake8_8IVwp2L-hINp8VNc1uCoonmHUpDgWElikOMOSbm15caeyJXKkYfVi30DJrdNhF6zmzB1oRKlGJFfJhAKPhwuaFMEJ4-9LonHEjLUx7xeqYY/s400/IMG_0041.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Would you believe, wrestling superstar HULK HOGAN (aka Terry
Gene Bollea), is almost 65 years old?? Considred as the greatest professional
wrestler of all time, HULK HOGAN is perhaps the most recognized face in the
wrestling world back in the 1980s. That’s because he was also visible in the
movies, seen in “Rocky III”(1982) as the nemesis of Stallone.</div>
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He was also seen in several TV shows (Thunder in
Paradise, Hogan Knows Best and China), and enjoyed a career as the frontman for
The Wrestling Boot Band, whose record, Hulk Rules, reached #12 on the Billboard
Top Kid Audio chart in 1995.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDG2DsZcooQBT5y-cSqIIgAkakVLCVKMjFv9eJqL69-g6Rq_MRmxYTBaVr7MZBWauLYBo3W2Fz2-H3rZUUw3SOFM2vxmcsG8P5Oe3YdMOgMa_mkl-X9neY-aeYtMjHFIDgci1lpDUh54/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDG2DsZcooQBT5y-cSqIIgAkakVLCVKMjFv9eJqL69-g6Rq_MRmxYTBaVr7MZBWauLYBo3W2Fz2-H3rZUUw3SOFM2vxmcsG8P5Oe3YdMOgMa_mkl-X9neY-aeYtMjHFIDgci1lpDUh54/s400/IMG_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No wonder then that HULK HOGAN’s likeness was coveted by
marketeers,promotions companies as well as toy makers, who tried to cash-in on
the wrestler’s fame by turning him into various merchandising items—from trade
cards, wrestuling costumes, video games and the most wanted—action figures!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqglAXg-3NBH3dQ4RxnheW0joviAo0j1R4o58e70HSx_X4Ri6XU9eK4JCVn6CLPXrDL841TMv2G2yTxLhRfxcgXRjmTgLvqUpSoPfHG2ukb4dAYj0MoWMzQYjTu1qzLhulvdYmvpVQkWw/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqglAXg-3NBH3dQ4RxnheW0joviAo0j1R4o58e70HSx_X4Ri6XU9eK4JCVn6CLPXrDL841TMv2G2yTxLhRfxcgXRjmTgLvqUpSoPfHG2ukb4dAYj0MoWMzQYjTu1qzLhulvdYmvpVQkWw/s400/IMG_0043.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
This fine example—is actually the biggest HULK HOGAN figure to be made in 1985. The vinyl figure, made by LJN Toys Ltd., stands an impressive 16”. HULK HOGAN comes in his trademark red hanging shirt, white headband and wears his championship belt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zyk_3tlXdYaG79-Km24kWtpkq9SmgIfdJZFTm-dvXu0kxo7CmGvC6zmb9Tso89590yc_aU1MvHLmtcuk9MUEYHxjLuT5koJOfswThfnWxOe7x8__g8QlgWc5AL3u6Os4d4ffrgBKCPc/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zyk_3tlXdYaG79-Km24kWtpkq9SmgIfdJZFTm-dvXu0kxo7CmGvC6zmb9Tso89590yc_aU1MvHLmtcuk9MUEYHxjLuT5koJOfswThfnWxOe7x8__g8QlgWc5AL3u6Os4d4ffrgBKCPc/s400/IMG_0044.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I found this on ebay—one of those items that were tagged
with “Make an Offer” feature. So I did, and offered a ridiculous price for this
complete piece, which, to my surprise was accepted (Secret: It cost the
equivalent of a thousand pesos). To this day, HULK HOGAN remains active on and off the wrestling scene, and managed to rise above adveristies--including a divorce that nearly bankrupt him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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No such things as retirement for HULK HOGAN...</div>
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Hulkmania rules!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-63211715159314678192017-12-26T04:52:00.000-08:002017-12-26T04:52:01.651-08:00385. All Shook Up: MR. PEANUT SALT 'N PEPPER SHAKERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjpWWaCiJSFnt4f27rOvFob-TWPq1h-8m89D2ug2qUs96JZLzDN2VJRpMvKx8PrpHejgVkUyGRcY4OGDM_8g5POp5Rb8R7YPUKJQcsIsTpz6IytKtCIOW8SYpArN5UPRgko1d9S9aRrg/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjpWWaCiJSFnt4f27rOvFob-TWPq1h-8m89D2ug2qUs96JZLzDN2VJRpMvKx8PrpHejgVkUyGRcY4OGDM_8g5POp5Rb8R7YPUKJQcsIsTpz6IytKtCIOW8SYpArN5UPRgko1d9S9aRrg/s400/IMG_0002.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Planters Peanuts is largely unknown in the Philippines, but is an American product icon, first produced in 1906 by Italian immigrant Amedeo Obici,in partnership with Mario Peruzzi. The branc character--Mr. Peanut--came about when a contest was launched in 1916,won by schoolboy Antonio Gentile who sent in a drawing of a human peanut with legs. An artist later added a monocle, a walking stick and a tophat. Mr. Peanut became a merchandising success, turned into coin banks, mugs, glasses, pins, buttons, coloring books, cloth dolls--and even into salt and pepper shakers, such as this pair. I found this in a shop in downtown Somerville, in New Jersey, while on a short vacation. There were so many of them there, that it was kinda hard to choose, but these two, I thought, were the most attactive and functional, Mr. Peanut collectibles were made in dizzying varieties and are so plentiful, that they are easily found, and so affordable, they literally cost--well--peanuts!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-85722021889034186972017-11-18T19:59:00.000-08:002017-11-18T19:59:34.624-08:00384.Boxed: HEE-HAW, 1970<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6PmGD4BsrB04Hs9AzDcvXbpR-jGNWmFNQwoTxNcWSiO1Ntbpc8Ugs7ZyM2rU0DYtebGSoIKoZutEa9_mJ54AC_Zdd0HsoFp4GnTGO_1-Lh0fmo5zfqDeEr8zH_XEYowjBDJD3Mc9tIs/s1600/Heehaw2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6PmGD4BsrB04Hs9AzDcvXbpR-jGNWmFNQwoTxNcWSiO1Ntbpc8Ugs7ZyM2rU0DYtebGSoIKoZutEa9_mJ54AC_Zdd0HsoFp4GnTGO_1-Lh0fmo5zfqDeEr8zH_XEYowjBDJD3Mc9tIs/s400/Heehaw2.JPG" width="400" />
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At the National Museum of American History, one can find on display a tin lunch box of HEE-HAW, a musical comedy show on CBS, which ran from 1969-1972. The popular show starred Buck Owens and Roy Clark.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZKZqCQUNO7UcZdb4kLl6hnCktYlNS0_TcQMu3T_44AkQPmqIsX2-tA80-wxrXXiOPcNjFhonQIYW-loi1D9Ed6ZwYm9FN5fwdsQnRAmHGCLg5FhPFMjZuPALbsGFC6Gf3EH_fCJzflI/s1600/HeeHaw3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZKZqCQUNO7UcZdb4kLl6hnCktYlNS0_TcQMu3T_44AkQPmqIsX2-tA80-wxrXXiOPcNjFhonQIYW-loi1D9Ed6ZwYm9FN5fwdsQnRAmHGCLg5FhPFMjZuPALbsGFC6Gf3EH_fCJzflI/s400/HeeHaw3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The lunchbox was made in 1970 by King Seeley. The lunch box has a metal snap for a hinged lid and a collapsible red, plastic handle. The exterior features images from the country variety television show.The TV lunchbox is shown with an unused coloring book, an authorized edition from the same HEE HAW TV show.Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-18267337376005077112017-11-06T02:50:00.003-08:002017-11-06T02:50:39.084-08:00383. 50s VINTAGE POMADE BOTTLES: Secrets of our Debonair Dads!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODjRnZXqoIqRfmYSEnuJmXIOq2IzFdzmhWK6EZYjZEi7dYgHlfRBXRAMaCYAiktftxZ7r_mEB6Um2a7k6nx-x-YEWmW_6iU3IwJC97fwneQuK7KnRfulxYLtQvm5M5h3BD3xYH8mGZro/s1600/DSC08995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1382" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODjRnZXqoIqRfmYSEnuJmXIOq2IzFdzmhWK6EZYjZEi7dYgHlfRBXRAMaCYAiktftxZ7r_mEB6Um2a7k6nx-x-YEWmW_6iU3IwJC97fwneQuK7KnRfulxYLtQvm5M5h3BD3xYH8mGZro/s400/DSC08995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Now here's a trio of small,clear glass jars that once held pomade and solid brilliantine--grooming essentials for the 1950s man. The brands include Cashmere Bouquet, an imported brand; Atomic Solid Brilliantine, and Waling-Waling, both local products. The 50 to 60 year old pomade bottles retain both their tin caps and labels with bold, colorful graphics. The more familiar brand--Cashmere Bouquet--actually has a talcum powder counterpart, while the two are largely unheard-of. More well-known pomade brands of the 50s include Glo-Co, X-7, and Robin Hood, The small jars were easily disposed of after use, that is why it is amazing to find these 3 pomade jars still in great condition after all these years.Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-18448282534718648382017-09-15T15:52:00.004-07:002017-09-15T15:52:54.808-07:00382. Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: SOAKIES SET: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUFWyk4AVwR79Z1bbBb0P6ClBeycndNZNcyYFpEnoFiffG4Je9_iAF2X0mPq1M-DtOFeZ1XIHDmR46F2FynH4PIVTwIM-2rFiKVasTxcOwrtNUmC7fAYbwAnTlBLPoeAOJeP0uXWlz5Y/s1600/17904150_10154205623821017_5644219056327430659_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUFWyk4AVwR79Z1bbBb0P6ClBeycndNZNcyYFpEnoFiffG4Je9_iAF2X0mPq1M-DtOFeZ1XIHDmR46F2FynH4PIVTwIM-2rFiKVasTxcOwrtNUmC7fAYbwAnTlBLPoeAOJeP0uXWlz5Y/s400/17904150_10154205623821017_5644219056327430659_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In the 1960s, to make taking a bath a more fun experience for kids, Colagte Palmolive packaged its shampoo in plastic figural containers in the shape of popular cartoon characters. The result is the Soaky Bubble Bottle--which children can play with, while soaked in a bath! These "soakies" depicted scores of characters that included Bozo the Clown, Batman and Robin, Snow White, Casper, Dick Tracy, Flintstones, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Smokey the Bear, Popeye, and later--the Muppets and characters from Star Wars. the unique play bottles became instant collectibles and are now sought after today mostly by baby boomer collectors who grew up taking a shower with these plastic shampoo "toy" bottles. Generally very affordable, there are soakies that are hard to find and therefore more expensive--like the Creature from the Black Lagoon, which starts at $100!!. Similar bottles are still being made today--so that's good news for folks who want to soak in the happiness of showering with a favorite toy!!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-6211196868374818322017-07-15T04:43:00.001-07:002017-07-15T04:43:49.614-07:00381. Strong to the Finish : 1958 POPEYE VINYL DOLL by GUND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhNDW3zYcFFvV2VwUobnQFUAEN4jKVMum6wQ6zWYq8NhIFOSnv_sKQMqP8Hny8CIKz9twuVxaDSmWnm_olXEJV-PkI-Lgr4d6Z5vINdhIC2iGydUujvkZeIiOR14mybdxMYPBpMcgPeo/s1600/DSC06137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhNDW3zYcFFvV2VwUobnQFUAEN4jKVMum6wQ6zWYq8NhIFOSnv_sKQMqP8Hny8CIKz9twuVxaDSmWnm_olXEJV-PkI-Lgr4d6Z5vINdhIC2iGydUujvkZeIiOR14mybdxMYPBpMcgPeo/s640/DSC06137.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Now here's a handsome deal that came from a distant relative---a 21 inch 1958 vinyl doll of Popeye, the sailor man, toot-toot!! It was made by Gund Mfg. Co. which has been making stuffed toys since 1898! This character doll is an authorized merchandise of King Features Syndicate, which owns the right to the popular cartoon series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8QVD5yme7NxJgKjat3tzDVs_gZrspYbwwMBntNsbVM081T7XRhCKhr739cQef43_Rqj6DlLqfi1F0btgipq5kOwgq2Wh7Mkg9GeOSL80vhSlXs9Ozzv-uqnt_TX0Q514ZI1Oxbn8t-0/s1600/popeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8QVD5yme7NxJgKjat3tzDVs_gZrspYbwwMBntNsbVM081T7XRhCKhr739cQef43_Rqj6DlLqfi1F0btgipq5kOwgq2Wh7Mkg9GeOSL80vhSlXs9Ozzv-uqnt_TX0Q514ZI1Oxbn8t-0/s640/popeye.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
When it came to me, it had been redressed and mended in different parts. The head seemed lopsided, like it was repositioned at one point so I had to twist it a bit. Popeye was wearing a horrible metallic silver top with very tight pants of the same material. It came in a ragged condition, and its nose, it seemed, showed signs of having been nibbled by its previous owner. Well, I had high hopes that I could restore it still.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UioQpUVOiTy0FGEoo4VK4-RWA_fgVS_KIg6n-lUMOJmwAw5nMWwgJn_sGiXwFTJPv3mdQsa4BaJJNkD8yqC5fR3n2F9coBWHB1jCnhvAOfa7BCtAW94RDj395tweTRQfpVf9MruQlBw/s1600/gund-popeye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UioQpUVOiTy0FGEoo4VK4-RWA_fgVS_KIg6n-lUMOJmwAw5nMWwgJn_sGiXwFTJPv3mdQsa4BaJJNkD8yqC5fR3n2F9coBWHB1jCnhvAOfa7BCtAW94RDj395tweTRQfpVf9MruQlBw/s1600/gund-popeye1.jpg" /></a></div>
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But first, I had to look for reference o how to redress Popeye. It was good thing I found a similar doll on ebay, which shows Popeye in its original sailor dress. I took the doll to a local dressmaker and furnished her with the above reference. Well, she figured she could copy it--and I believed her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6wobC3n01XTRlQJbD_plK2ayIJaswkfbDPzkJ987UPTT90XgedGiRILsduWg84LwBiT_7RsVryFku4OsFMadNBaV1BmMoV2YbFmIdZod7ZFMcHccxQxrGI74_FgN0xhTGkn-qFQRzWg/s1600/DSC06138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6wobC3n01XTRlQJbD_plK2ayIJaswkfbDPzkJ987UPTT90XgedGiRILsduWg84LwBiT_7RsVryFku4OsFMadNBaV1BmMoV2YbFmIdZod7ZFMcHccxQxrGI74_FgN0xhTGkn-qFQRzWg/s640/DSC06138.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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A week after---my old Popeye was ready to slip into his new, flashy sailor attire. I think my dressmaker did a fabulous job recreating a new costume using local fabrics! The costume has that fresh-from-the-factory look!! My Popeye is ready to b displayed--and he did not have to finish a can of spinach to look this good! Toot--toot!!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-64172830661178547622017-06-24T19:39:00.000-07:002017-06-24T19:44:26.111-07:00380. DONALD DUCK SQUEAKER HAT, 1956<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8XHA46LFnpF4OEGeP5hBvgak7Q1xm_w0i7TLYxyJ13uN3L-emlFltGw52X7KpPOwuOFFzdWzn-4cSFGMGnIaFbkuZLM-GN04WPQh1hyphenhyphenlgZpIebpnIJn97koyS1XUweyExMqzvhhyphenhyphenlc4/s1600/donald.jpg" imageanchor=".5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8XHA46LFnpF4OEGeP5hBvgak7Q1xm_w0i7TLYxyJ13uN3L-emlFltGw52X7KpPOwuOFFzdWzn-4cSFGMGnIaFbkuZLM-GN04WPQh1hyphenhyphenlgZpIebpnIJn97koyS1XUweyExMqzvhhyphenhyphenlc4/s640/donald.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Disneyana collectors--look what I found at a local thrift shop, a 1956 Donald Duck squeaker hat! It's an unlikely find here in the Philippines--and I've never seen anything like it. The cap itself is made of fine mesh material, and is topped with a Donald patch with a ribbon. The eyes are glued-on plastic googlies, The beak is plastic and when you give a squeeze--it actually squeaks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReM7OqYWvAfs0bojx8h3A389YOhuIRsT5vsoIPYyzY9eotf5pDWs39Hpj7-Tt4UEeDTwf9OShhUP4dg5jiVuTodAHkhbPwPRJ0HEObksAo5Xb9m4ckeM214mlvhHAKmrwP7bnLMdrCrE/s1600/disneyhat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="951" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReM7OqYWvAfs0bojx8h3A389YOhuIRsT5vsoIPYyzY9eotf5pDWs39Hpj7-Tt4UEeDTwf9OShhUP4dg5jiVuTodAHkhbPwPRJ0HEObksAo5Xb9m4ckeM214mlvhHAKmrwP7bnLMdrCrE/s640/disneyhat.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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Recently, I saw this old print ad online advertising the same cap--"the hat you'll see Mouseketeers wearing on TV!" Of course, I never saw that as the Mickey Mouse show was never aired in the Philippines, so it was a delight to discover this piece of Disneyana in this part of the world, I am quacking all over!!</div>
Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-10545555637319772262017-06-18T00:11:00.000-07:002017-06-18T00:11:18.136-07:00379. VINTAGE G.I. JOES IN A FOOTLOCKER BOX, 1960s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9YJncNTw8eoHtqVudDfm1UpiCOmttbu3AyzU8RAuAy2DRfQICfxwkFVqSix35VN7yV03lD21RyyU4z6jda4w-OW8LUEdBNrE5n2tvIpFCMFGsVj4I2a4Gre26CzuPh7dUDzpc_nhgDo/s1600/DSC06195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9YJncNTw8eoHtqVudDfm1UpiCOmttbu3AyzU8RAuAy2DRfQICfxwkFVqSix35VN7yV03lD21RyyU4z6jda4w-OW8LUEdBNrE5n2tvIpFCMFGsVj4I2a4Gre26CzuPh7dUDzpc_nhgDo/s400/DSC06195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Opening this 1960s G.I. Joe wooden footlocker box is like peeking into Ali Baba's cave of treasures! This ebay find houses two vintage G.I. Joe action figures, one from the 60s and the other--a flocked-haired Joe--from the 70s decade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q_knbHAEYRgATkUIopc3L8Yr54he3rhy-HtiIB_HDY0S2G6O_m7UjcT1ygucqv-BAQex3yEI3jOm8cpXwi-At5uarTCSbfxBR7rd9zNwiGAl8aeMATFVg8L1wGYNDEWKPQ3EKzv_fR4/s1600/DSC06196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Q_knbHAEYRgATkUIopc3L8Yr54he3rhy-HtiIB_HDY0S2G6O_m7UjcT1ygucqv-BAQex3yEI3jOm8cpXwi-At5uarTCSbfxBR7rd9zNwiGAl8aeMATFVg8L1wGYNDEWKPQ3EKzv_fR4/s400/DSC06196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The footlocker doesn't just contain these figures in good condition, but also a stash of clothes, uniforms, and plastic accessories. I really haven't sorted the stuff, but I am sure they will be of use to me later, when I re-dress them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmeg9TC6IZD4ThEDNIaGjLd171HzulBbFGqeQyZxtY8PLeRwzsWAVoo4V8cHp1pzyjEp3NslJROS3wpZLfAr1q9vN0_VBGyErvKWZqHUykDUKrjxVsAD8TXE2bitLOSyKhMUCoReQxdo/s1600/DSC06197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmeg9TC6IZD4ThEDNIaGjLd171HzulBbFGqeQyZxtY8PLeRwzsWAVoo4V8cHp1pzyjEp3NslJROS3wpZLfAr1q9vN0_VBGyErvKWZqHUykDUKrjxVsAD8TXE2bitLOSyKhMUCoReQxdo/s400/DSC06197.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
This is the older of the dolls, and it's a scar-faced brown haired Joe. I need a beret to go along with his outfit. he should date from 1964.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEisCes3B-qFnP60I8TRlXY6KdpOasOc_vengK4Ywk2p1QB-bjTOhdV01QMKlI4M_-XjTEQnfBqJhIzdrUGjAPsaiGxCGYUxbM_zoY9b_Ty1GmrQU7_bavQ_fDHdNa6bJxhxDv5cAVGfk/s1600/DSC06198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEisCes3B-qFnP60I8TRlXY6KdpOasOc_vengK4Ywk2p1QB-bjTOhdV01QMKlI4M_-XjTEQnfBqJhIzdrUGjAPsaiGxCGYUxbM_zoY9b_Ty1GmrQU7_bavQ_fDHdNa6bJxhxDv5cAVGfk/s400/DSC06198.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
The more hirsute Joe still has his lush hair and beard after all these years. They sold for 34$ which is a steal, considering how Hasbro's 'action doll for boys' has risen steadily in price, with no signs of waning. There's a saying that goes--when you die, God looks not at your medals, but at your scars--and G.I. Joe sure has lots of them! And that's why I collect them!<br />
<br />Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-52331666784005979892017-02-03T03:34:00.003-08:002017-02-03T03:34:56.692-08:00378. MOPTOP COMBO PLAYER FIGURINES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqdegKZcZyTXVT7KuTQDMiRxvry6PzZLd0SVnWpn3mUlOZOiyxoaUQYXehrh8gDergkaTQLCCxPuT-985zq78v3ooBPT0apBX5-trzmxmsI5ykRkdxCgndXi5yHENbvdmXZYNeaD0vlU/s1600/dekadaduo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqdegKZcZyTXVT7KuTQDMiRxvry6PzZLd0SVnWpn3mUlOZOiyxoaUQYXehrh8gDergkaTQLCCxPuT-985zq78v3ooBPT0apBX5-trzmxmsI5ykRkdxCgndXi5yHENbvdmXZYNeaD0vlU/s400/dekadaduo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Now here's a pair of Made in Japan figurines that hark back to the age of the Beatles, Shindig, Dave Clark 5, American Bandstand, the Monkees, and Hullabaloo. The two china figures represent combo players of the 60s era, and may have once graced a teenage girl's room, as she listened to her vinyl records playing the songs of Paul, John, Ringo and George on her plastic turntable. Alas,only two figurines remain--one singing the melody while beating a conga, the other, strumming away on his red electric guitar. The drummer and,possibly, the bass player are missing from the set, but that doe not detract from kischy cuteness of these two boy band members, who even have their original nylon moptop hair! And note the green bases where they stand--complete with musical notes! You could almost hear them belting out.."She loves you yeah...yeah...yeah!".Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-10331263506339528822017-01-04T14:16:00.000-08:002017-01-04T14:16:48.756-08:00377. King of the Wild Frontier: 1950s DAVY CROCKETT DOLL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYziXh-l-Kiq1fegHHr6Fgi4GKoryvW-ZWBYxHF7E5hSVQsYE3PhaxS0uiCm6P_lNoAPbQD4450Y26f6ChWQBSougP3BE7a5BrvI7SJ4Y31wR0k0kjp6VjblLdtnTgFkS1JxJCsObQ3Y/s1600/s-l500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYziXh-l-Kiq1fegHHr6Fgi4GKoryvW-ZWBYxHF7E5hSVQsYE3PhaxS0uiCm6P_lNoAPbQD4450Y26f6ChWQBSougP3BE7a5BrvI7SJ4Y31wR0k0kjp6VjblLdtnTgFkS1JxJCsObQ3Y/s1600/s-l500.jpg" /></a></div>
Now here's an artifact straight from the 1954-1955 TV series "Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier", produced by Disney. The series is based on the adventures of real-life American folk hero, David Crockett, a hunter who later became a congressman. Fess Parker starred as the Indian fighter-frontierman, and helped popularize merchandise such as Davy Crokett coonskin caps, comics and bubble gum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2j9S-1HJjZ8Ivaavce8DzRJNyZzrZRZ6eEES6yC68Fwj0Xv2XIvSRT43kCdzuvWZsSU15_t_XgFEjbcRxaLZBsPHIK4DLwF7e4uy2p0qlyzwYFyFH__RIctuqo950acvxVDWQH6TCg/s1600/s-l500+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF2j9S-1HJjZ8Ivaavce8DzRJNyZzrZRZ6eEES6yC68Fwj0Xv2XIvSRT43kCdzuvWZsSU15_t_XgFEjbcRxaLZBsPHIK4DLwF7e4uy2p0qlyzwYFyFH__RIctuqo950acvxVDWQH6TCg/s1600/s-l500+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
Of course, dolls were also made of the character--in fact, many versions were made--made of plastic, cloth and rubber. This 19 in. stuffed doll with a thin plastic face is one of the rarer versions as it comes complete with its trademark coonskin cap, and a yellow identification pinback. It is dressed in plush fabric and felt, with a leather belt.The Davy Crockett TV merchandise was so popular that by the end of 1955, Americans had bought over $300 million worth of Crockett games, toys, dolls, coloring books, costumes, caps and gumball charms.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsrpSiqiVWYCUsmhLvSRvLzIjcsgn2zD50hwIStEQ4Ll4Hkndq9p3ymHvje7ASfKVNw1KggsgyFqTUZc0zxmfpDwDxiWKXR-F6AixjsNZOoa0yo5amR8heVr3nvULMsmddA4eg4H8n2s/s1600/s-l500+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqsrpSiqiVWYCUsmhLvSRvLzIjcsgn2zD50hwIStEQ4Ll4Hkndq9p3ymHvje7ASfKVNw1KggsgyFqTUZc0zxmfpDwDxiWKXR-F6AixjsNZOoa0yo5amR8heVr3nvULMsmddA4eg4H8n2s/s400/s-l500+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Disney replayed the shows in the 1960s and became hits all over again. After his Disney stint, fess Parker appeared as Daniel Boone on TV in 1964, an identical frontiersman character, to more acclaim. In 2002, in an attempt to bring back Davy Crockett again, Disney produced the movie, "The Alamo", which flopped at the tills. I guess, for many David Crockett fans, these dolls are enough to bring back his memory alive.Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-74905384610180125772016-11-14T19:30:00.000-08:002016-12-01T16:56:11.533-08:00376. MORE LITTLE GOLDEN BOOKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BgsyjsRUXtNvoIuJEgfTmUDzuFnpXBx1T6f3wJZJ07pcYhYu889DtHLH7hnKt3pmtkrPrsb4o-8NGA7m3j9ARAZUHJbPRWUE3bewxfFhgIGZeJfEGFqjzoEvteSk0JirmtyTAUx2Wtc/s1600/DSC03914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BgsyjsRUXtNvoIuJEgfTmUDzuFnpXBx1T6f3wJZJ07pcYhYu889DtHLH7hnKt3pmtkrPrsb4o-8NGA7m3j9ARAZUHJbPRWUE3bewxfFhgIGZeJfEGFqjzoEvteSk0JirmtyTAUx2Wtc/s400/DSC03914.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
More Little Golden Books found in a thrift shop! This popular series of children's books, started by Simon and Schuster in 1942, are well known for their great illustrations, quality and affordability. and Many of the Little Golden Books have become bestsellers, with editions dealing with nature and science, Bible stories, nursery rhymes, and fairy tales and derived from TV shows and movie tie-ins like Sesame Street, Disney, Looney Tunes, Barbie, Cheyenne, Wagon Train, Rin Tin Tin, Captain Kangaroo, and even Donny and Marie Osmond Show. Collecting Little Golden Books has not caught on in the Philippines, owing to the unfamiliar subjects of the books, but for someone like me who grew up exposed to American TV shows, the books hold a special nostalgic appeal.Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-40020120482739534502016-11-03T18:19:00.000-07:002016-11-03T18:19:08.872-07:00375. MCHALES' NAVY BOARD GAME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTd3ckHtiguWdCENc_TCdBKaCPmjdy6CWle36H1onnRtKhA7M-whWNDjJHp5df3GDDwvhmU8B9KACP8a_AuZ77DmBsiZUsicHPO2WTkeYAXxaC7djSOibZNg4UYk_NaYiUtfujjGBndQ/s1600/DSC03928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTd3ckHtiguWdCENc_TCdBKaCPmjdy6CWle36H1onnRtKhA7M-whWNDjJHp5df3GDDwvhmU8B9KACP8a_AuZ77DmBsiZUsicHPO2WTkeYAXxaC7djSOibZNg4UYk_NaYiUtfujjGBndQ/s400/DSC03928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">A very rare 1962 McHale's Navy board game recently surfaced in a local thrift shop in Kamuning, and I lost no time in reserving it. In the U.S., even with missing parts, this rarely seen board game would be worth about $30 or more. The board game is based on the TV comedy sitcom of the same title, starring Ernest Borgnine (as Lt. Cmdr. Quinton McHale) and Tim Conway (as Ensign Charles Parker) , that aired from 1962-1966 on ABC TV Network, </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPepr0QM8Ojcsk0VOOMR82whpu_O-WdkqL41CxFGAciT03xTQ1EflwtTasVJBEa71ySQ1J6-77YVP2bm44PzWML9dsxfg6H89scOzwIdhos-xW2uOHhyB-2uaKnNhEfMK3zS6dJlS9K08/s1600/DSC03929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPepr0QM8Ojcsk0VOOMR82whpu_O-WdkqL41CxFGAciT03xTQ1EflwtTasVJBEa71ySQ1J6-77YVP2bm44PzWML9dsxfg6H89scOzwIdhos-xW2uOHhyB-2uaKnNhEfMK3zS6dJlS9K08/s400/DSC03929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The boardgame, made by Transogram allows a player to take turns drawing a card from the supply deck and move one space. If a player announces he has a pair or more, he is entitled to Bonus Moves. You may bluff announcing a pair, three of a kind or four of a kind. The other players may challenge and if the bluffer has the cards he make make the bonus moves and the challenger moves back 4 spaces.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDyjYkY9mHYU1CvlYf-4K51xhgfGrdS4-RQ3XWhk09R4ssE1uZAG0PoAfDOXG-fsMH9u30LtSBw3XJvHOu-kq4_khHxJf_MfobJC-CQ04jUYekqxWfWmmUakz9e5ZxWGGdU-x_B5ZXsE/s1600/DSC03930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDyjYkY9mHYU1CvlYf-4K51xhgfGrdS4-RQ3XWhk09R4ssE1uZAG0PoAfDOXG-fsMH9u30LtSBw3XJvHOu-kq4_khHxJf_MfobJC-CQ04jUYekqxWfWmmUakz9e5ZxWGGdU-x_B5ZXsE/s400/DSC03930.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">If the player is bluffing and doesn't have the cards, he moves back 4 spaces. In addition there are instruction cards that move all ships ahead and penalty instruction cards that move the player backwards. In addition there is a cardboard torpedo which can be fired to move ahead. The winner is the first player to cross the finish line.</span></div>
Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-88969750091083962642016-09-30T17:50:00.000-07:002016-09-30T17:50:39.957-07:00374. GENE AUTRY COLLECTIBLE BOOKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChw0wJB6Y-l1s74oy0YAwkzdPdxphilcTq6SMCMH9C1glrSf5SY6ZuWNOY1SvooeVglL915eQZVZcp3dX2tKYeAxepBJvKJoxVR-08ySQdaqBfVYYLlWvvZciIa-642t-JIbZcYqxpgg/s1600/DSC03915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChw0wJB6Y-l1s74oy0YAwkzdPdxphilcTq6SMCMH9C1glrSf5SY6ZuWNOY1SvooeVglL915eQZVZcp3dX2tKYeAxepBJvKJoxVR-08ySQdaqBfVYYLlWvvZciIa-642t-JIbZcYqxpgg/s400/DSC03915.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
One of my favorite Western stars was Gene Autry (b.1907/d.1998), the cowboy performer who first sang the popular Xmas carol,"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer". In fact, turned many Christmas songs into hits, including "Santa Claus Is
Coming to Town", his own composition "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Frosty the Snowman". I have "Rudolph" among my old records somewhere.<br />
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Autry appeared in over 93 films from the 30s thru the 50s, and in his own "The Gene Autry Show" TV series. He personified the
straight-shooting hero—honest, brave, and true, and became a role model for many American kids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He also had a huge hit with a weekly show on CBS
Radio, Gene Autry's Melody Ranch. His horse, Champion, also had a CBS-TV and
Mutual radio series, T"he Adventures of Champion." As always, his shows generated merchandise that kids went crazy for--from coloring books, Little Golden Books, paper dolls, toy guns, character watches, children's and play guitars. </span><br />
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Gene Autry was never famous in the Philippines, but somehow, Autry items found their way here, like these assorted books which made good reading for young cowboys (and a nice collection for the Western collector).Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-88627545639876019262016-09-18T18:20:00.001-07:002016-09-18T18:20:09.242-07:00373. SLEEPY-EYED CAT SQUEEZE TOY by EDWARD MOBLEY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEtrCw7JmYCGnenfm_K_g07mf6V1p0nnduPzCOboXt1ux4k26NL8daadBAgvsHQeOs2MweuhYzkeEGdkgUi5I_w5zFzbgKWA2fLEHchCupjmMZ5f6PnvA4xAM4MYf7OEnPhosgi_Vaus/s1600/DSC03920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEtrCw7JmYCGnenfm_K_g07mf6V1p0nnduPzCOboXt1ux4k26NL8daadBAgvsHQeOs2MweuhYzkeEGdkgUi5I_w5zFzbgKWA2fLEHchCupjmMZ5f6PnvA4xAM4MYf7OEnPhosgi_Vaus/s400/DSC03920.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I've always been a feline fan, so when I saw this vintage squeeze toy, I knew I had to bring it home at once! It was made by Edward Mobley Co. Arrow Rubber Plastic Corp. in 1960, and is known as Sleepy Eyed Squeaky Cat.<br />
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This rubber cat is over 9 inches long, and has a close-open eye mechanism similar to those outfitted on dolls. The blue-eyed cat also has a head that can be twisted and posed.<br />
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The Arrow Rubber and Plastic Corp. was a custom molding
company that made standard body assemblies for toys and dolls, e.g., arms,
legs, and bodies in the 1950s and 1960s. They also manufactured toys licensed by Edward Mobley.
J.L. Prescott Co. purchased the Arrow Rubber and Plastic Corp. in 1968,
changing its name to Arrow Molded Products, a division of J.L. Prescott
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They also manufactured toys licensed by Edward Mobley. J.L. Prescott Co. purchased the Arrow Rubber and Plastic Corp. in 1968, changing its name to Arrow Molded Products, a division of J.L. Prescott Company.</div>
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<br />Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-44126565805138748342016-09-12T01:16:00.000-07:002016-09-12T01:16:30.597-07:00372. Politics is a Game: 1965 MACAPAGAL-ROXAS CHECKER BOARD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxFgZ_1phiHfPmqnsSN2rZyZavSoQ5Vj5P5XVMtzGmAVRpSvyyWlXElLRmLOWilm3YS10pxtIX28xsbcT0vP-GKyJvDfk5IhC5CkmIy0iZkhM9rxNuIhr23KNM6NKH8UIgeQ7r7b5eOk/s1600/Photo0599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxFgZ_1phiHfPmqnsSN2rZyZavSoQ5Vj5P5XVMtzGmAVRpSvyyWlXElLRmLOWilm3YS10pxtIX28xsbcT0vP-GKyJvDfk5IhC5CkmIy0iZkhM9rxNuIhr23KNM6NKH8UIgeQ7r7b5eOk/s400/Photo0599.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
An artifact from the national elections of 1965 is this lawanit checkerboard game, given away by the Liberal Party--headed by the re-electionist President Diosdado p. Macapagal and his VP bet, Gerry Roxas, father of presidential wannabe, Mar Roxas. This well-worn political memorabilia also features the party's senatorial slate--Ramon Bagatsing, Cesar Climaco, Ramon Diaz, Sergio Osmena Jr., Alejandro Roces, Jovito Salonga, and Lucas Paredes, The party was no match to the up and coming former Senate president Ferdinand Marcos and team mate Fernando Lopez, who trounced them convincingly at the polls. Only 2 of the LP best got senatorial seats too. Marcos would stay in power for over 2 decades and for his opponents--it was back to the gameboard!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-34314225221999099192016-09-04T02:15:00.000-07:002016-09-04T02:15:34.900-07:00371. 1950s,COKE 6-BOTTLE ALUMINUM CARRIER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For quick pick-ups, pick up a couple of Cokes in a nifty 6-bottle aluminum carrier from the 50s. Found in an local online ad, the Coke bottle carrier has a stamped "Drink Coca Cola" graphics on the body with a wooden handle.<br />
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This is a rarely-seen U.S. made version as the most common carriers available are all-aluminum with a wire handle. Vintage aqua Coke bottles are shown snuggly fitted into this portable midcentury Coca Cola relic-- a great memento of those times when all it took was a Coke to refresh you best!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-37052242707357247532016-08-29T18:49:00.002-07:002016-08-29T18:49:41.171-07:00370. PATRIOTIC AND POLITICAL PINBACKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliVO2CNPZ3RYt4wPRldEJufLiv5Qe8DklG2X00piBOZzD-i9q4RBv6bvVktRKjLsXfqYwV4XJ7zduxQZS-ZvlBZFfhmsqOK0i1ZeyLCWdvC4InbSwNjlLDOLkE7nghsTLutiFh-Z77jw/s1600/DSC02655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliVO2CNPZ3RYt4wPRldEJufLiv5Qe8DklG2X00piBOZzD-i9q4RBv6bvVktRKjLsXfqYwV4XJ7zduxQZS-ZvlBZFfhmsqOK0i1ZeyLCWdvC4InbSwNjlLDOLkE7nghsTLutiFh-Z77jw/s400/DSC02655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Buttons up!<br />
A handful of pinbacks and buttons mostly with nationalistic and poltical themes--TOP: A Philippine seal enamel button (1960s), a Red Cross button (1920s), a LABAN sign pin (1980s), Teves for Senator pinback (Lorenzo Teves, elected as senator in 1967, appointed governor of Negros Oriental in 1978), and "Iboto Natin si Mercado" (unidentified political candidate, 1960s.).Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-38327741137744990982016-08-14T00:29:00.001-07:002016-08-14T00:29:33.947-07:00369. FREE BOOKS!! McDonald's, Maggi and Esso Collecti-Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_174IzG_k4H6yt7elprNkb_HUBPDUFcvrk4-fBwwz7tziN0gMjJUU38WA468z8dOUNbDgdXQIgoBOc_QnvlAqSJ_rCt42cwps7XpHL8Gs8z5iWwwdwhNk0v9P9hDwt_iNg084Kpsyy0/s1600/DSC01794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_174IzG_k4H6yt7elprNkb_HUBPDUFcvrk4-fBwwz7tziN0gMjJUU38WA468z8dOUNbDgdXQIgoBOc_QnvlAqSJ_rCt42cwps7XpHL8Gs8z5iWwwdwhNk0v9P9hDwt_iNg084Kpsyy0/s400/DSC01794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Wonderful premiums for children all! From McDonald's comes a Ronald McDonald Coloring Book with a few coloring pages, fro the 1980s. Maggi Rich Mami Noodles also came out with its own activity book of Nursery Rhymes with games and dot-to-dot pages (I saved this while working for Nestle; in fact, I illustrated a few pages). And lastly, a 1960s Esso Coloring Book featuring the "Tiger in your tank" mascot, with a promo to match! These should make kids busy and keep them quiet...until the next boredom attack!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-35126328720575438372016-06-09T02:28:00.002-07:002016-06-09T02:28:23.955-07:00368. Advertique: '60s PEPSI 'The Big One" STORE SIGN <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJakkRr8oR-S_ej1ar4mwPmqtzG0M8bgSQyZe8YuWVyzY7T0Lg3QycRuBTXUDNv1Ypj2Weezc9u2WvzAG_gwIEzOaWyevxfc7Tw3ml4xEk-SFCRQ21xlqYlolZP0XoTypRMCN6c05bsGc/s1600/DSC01731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJakkRr8oR-S_ej1ar4mwPmqtzG0M8bgSQyZe8YuWVyzY7T0Lg3QycRuBTXUDNv1Ypj2Weezc9u2WvzAG_gwIEzOaWyevxfc7Tw3ml4xEk-SFCRQ21xlqYlolZP0XoTypRMCN6c05bsGc/s400/DSC01731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A well-preserved piece of Filipiniana merchandising for the other softdrink icon--Pepsi Cola. In the mid 60s, Pepsi came out with a bigger size bottle and came up with the solgan--The Big One--to describe it. A barong-clad Filipino holding a Pepsi bottle became the trade character of the campaign, always shown alongside the red-white-and-blue Pepsi logo. For just 12 centavos, one could enjoy the big taste of Pepsi--"Big size. Big value. Big refreshment"--so went the advertising.<br />
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The image and the slogan were widely used in print ads and merchandising materials, like this sari-sari store sign flange in good-to-fair condition. The frame of the the painted tin sign is still intact, and it dates from 1966. Of course, modern exterior store signs are now made of framed tarpaulin or canvass. Though lighter, they are less durable than this Pepsi tin sign that has managed to retain its vibrant colors after half-a-century. And still to this day, everyone continues to enjoy "The Big One'--Pepsi Cola!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-60017903723702718972016-05-19T18:14:00.001-07:002016-05-19T18:14:36.137-07:00367. NEEDFUL THINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An old and small glass-fronted counter cabinet makes an excellent display to my miniatures, figurines, and small collectibles--bottle, bisque dolls, advertising premiums, coin banks, cake toppers. Whenever I go home with small, but precious finds, I dunk everything in here. Space-saving and neat!!Now where did I put my car keys??Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-22442204796697146902016-04-17T17:07:00.000-07:002016-04-17T17:07:26.041-07:00366. I'm A-Coming For You!!!: TALKING BEANY MATTEL DOLL,1961<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWvIV8W3xN8mc99Z1uQahzP_EfSBqeizs8ZZ0OZjX72C5PZ248cn8ISsE50rvIyluz2XYnewf8rVSYDtD3lQ8b0Xb4sy4ixq6p4kTHh_gF-pK4-PVcjW-pNG_dZ4oMZtb4EbviE248Lo/s1600/beany1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWvIV8W3xN8mc99Z1uQahzP_EfSBqeizs8ZZ0OZjX72C5PZ248cn8ISsE50rvIyluz2XYnewf8rVSYDtD3lQ8b0Xb4sy4ixq6p4kTHh_gF-pK4-PVcjW-pNG_dZ4oMZtb4EbviE248Lo/s400/beany1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Remember Beany and the sea-sick sea serpent, Cecil? The unlikely duo was an animated cartoon series created by Bob Clampett for the ABC Television, based on the TV puppet show Time for Beany, produced for Paramount Pictures in 1949. The cartoon series first appeared in Matty's Funday Funnies in 1959, and peaked in popularity in the 60s as The Beany and Cecil Show.<br />
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Many toys were inspired by this hit cartoon--including the best-selling Beany and Cecil puppets. This Mattel-made talking doll of Beany is another fine example, showing minimal wear and nice intact seams. Made in 1961, Beany still talks, although he says his name in jibberish. His trademark beanycopter propeller is there, although broken. This awesome doll was purchased on ebay--with 2 bonus plastic tumblers of Beany and Cecil thrown in!!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-41883131417151342432016-04-11T01:03:00.001-07:002016-04-11T01:03:24.730-07:00365. Collectibles Ahoy! S.S.PRES. MCKINLEY SOUVENIR INKWELL & MENU CARD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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S.S.President McKinley was a president liner operated by the Dollar Steamship Lines that served the world--from Boston in the U.S., Asia and Europe--under Commander Robert E.Carey U.S.N.R.. The passenger ship also served Manila, and to to go from the Philippines to the U.S. in the 1930, a passenger had to board the ship in the capital city, then proceed to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kobe, Yokohama, Honolulu, Seattle, then to San Francisco. To get to the East Coast, the ship had to proceed down to Balboa,through the Panama Canal, then Havana and finally to New York or Boston.<br />
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The long and arduous trip was somehow made pleasant with a delicious all-day menu that featured an array of breakfast items--fresh Philippine mangos and rice included.<br />
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A souvenir inkwell was presented to passengers--made from real Philippine shells. The figure of the sailing steamship is hand-painted on a mother-of-pearl shell backdrop, while the inkbottle rests on a sandy base, with more shells--small tritons and clams. Found in an estate sale, these 1930s transport collectibles are nostalgic mementos of the great era of shipping---when the most adventurous way to see the world was to get on board a ship, and sail the seas!!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-88420787147283409152016-04-03T22:32:00.001-07:002016-04-03T22:32:49.847-07:00364. Dish and That: MINIATURE TOY DISHES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXFhmKwQmpHFs1q82VmKZKFcfAAlVq_FZYoExqe3SEg-GGnpTRt_qeXQE7NaRs5N8qDILfQ-Y89EDAbti-sF4EaVJ0RWZcGrtT-2R3fo7zOzvhuSwf3wv-8AIenjbPun-FmkY0M3guog/s1600/Toydish3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXFhmKwQmpHFs1q82VmKZKFcfAAlVq_FZYoExqe3SEg-GGnpTRt_qeXQE7NaRs5N8qDILfQ-Y89EDAbti-sF4EaVJ0RWZcGrtT-2R3fo7zOzvhuSwf3wv-8AIenjbPun-FmkY0M3guog/s400/Toydish3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Another pretty set of Made-in-Japan children's toy tableware--consisting of cups, saucers, creamer, and plates. Nicely hand-painted with floral motifs, these loose pieces are individually marked with "JAPAN". The custom of manufacturing small bowls, mugs and plates began in Europe--mainly in England, France and Germany, after 1760. Items were smaller in size than their adult counterparts, though there was no one standard size.In the U.S., toy dishes manufacturing peaked from the 1920s-40s.Japanese companies also produced fine children's dishes around this time--and these examples are from that period. After World War II, inexpensive Japanese imports flooded the market, made of other materials like tin and plastic. Once for playing, wee-size antique children's dishes have become sought-after collectibles, with one set of miniature china going for about $1,000 in a U.S. auction!!!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1095856939614625750.post-12204410727400146662016-03-28T00:56:00.002-07:002016-03-28T00:56:56.427-07:00363. Ghost of our Childhood Past: TALKING CASPER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvcWqI8iZFKJG2JW7BZC50QoWbThaq9JVp9SGkHeGe5TIzYiWnz_8dIpdBv0dvK699tsrZduTzpupucNWufqqspVxy5FFZHnt4MKOvRK7QC-SMpfMm-veTErFLgIvg4-00yljuEZvA3E/s1600/Casper4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvcWqI8iZFKJG2JW7BZC50QoWbThaq9JVp9SGkHeGe5TIzYiWnz_8dIpdBv0dvK699tsrZduTzpupucNWufqqspVxy5FFZHnt4MKOvRK7QC-SMpfMm-veTErFLgIvg4-00yljuEZvA3E/s400/Casper4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i> "Casper, the friendly ghost...the friendliest ghost you know.."</i><br />
Remember the Harvey Famous Cartoon's friendliest ghost, Casper? He was one of my favorite TV cartoon characters and Saturday mornings aren't just complete without him. To think he was a dead person!! Conceived in the 1930s, by cartoonist Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo, he was designed to become one of the most famous properties from Famous Studios. Soon, comics of him were being published by Alfred Harvey, founder and publisher of Harvey Comics who eventually purchased the rights to the character. New cartoons were created for The New Casper Cartoon Show in 1963, These cartoons remain important today because of the messages they imparted: the values of friendship, compassion, and acceptance of others.<br />
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The popularity of Casper generated many collectible merchandise---from toys, coloring books, gameboards to this adorable 15" Casper Doll, a 1963 Original by Mattel. It's a pull-string talking Casper who says 10 different things: <i>"My Name is Casper". "Ooooooh.
Let's play ghost." "I like you." "I'm a friendly ghost.
Don't be afraid of me". "I'm not afraid.
I'm cold.
Can I stay with you?" "Will you play with". me?. </i><br />
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Casper was resurrected as a movie in 1995, with live action and voice characters, starring Devon Sawa as Casper in human form. I have seen the movie of course, but it's the Harvey 'toon that I miss. Thank God, Casper has come back to haunt me in the form of this talking doll--found in a local thrift shop. The voice is a bit garbled, the body shoddy and worn, but he is still loveable after all these years. Unlike grownups, old ghosts never die, they just become friendlier with age!!! !!Alex D.R. Castrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18245747060792920345noreply@blogger.com0