The Wide World of Weird Emmy History
The Emmy Nomination were announced this week and there weren’t many surprises—congratulations once again, cast of Modern Family. Here are a few times in Emmy history that things got wacky.
That’s Entertainment
These Records Are Crazy
While CD sales continue to plunge, the sales of old-fashioned vinyl records have actually risen in the past few years. Why? Records offer a certain warmth, magic…and weirdness. Here’s a look at some of the kookiest wax in Uncle John’s collection.
Killer Commodes: 4 Fictional Characters Who Died On the Toilet
Elvis passed away on a potty 37 years ago this summer. Since then, many fictional heroes and villains have shuffled off this mortal coil in a similar fashion. (WARNING: Don’t read this post if you don’t want to have the season finale of a certain HBO fantasy series spoiled.)
It’s the Must-See-TV Filler Quiz!
Must See TV QuizIn the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, NBC’s “Must See TV” Thursday night lineup dominated the ratings with hits like Friends, Seinfeld, and Frasier. But can you name the other, less-heralded, mostly short-lived sitcoms that aired between those hit shows?
The Bee Gees Meet Eric Clapton
The Bee Gees continued to rack up hits until disco waned in popularity in 1980 and took them with it. The trio moved into songwriting (notable hit: the 1984 #1 hit “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers), but in the mid-‘80s wanted to make a performing comeback. Solution: form a supergroup by adding a fourth member.
Impossible Questions: Un-Magic Kingdom Edition – Answer Revealed!
Think you’ve got the answer? Keep reading to see if you nailed it.
What ended forever in Disney World in December 1974?
3 Broadway Flops
Some Broadway shows are getting a lucrative post-Tony “bounce” as summer tourists flock to New York City. Almost nobody flocked to these misbegotten musicals.
Uncle John’s Extremely Tough Movie Quote Quiz
Sure, you know that “We’re not in Kansas anymore” is from The Wizard of Oz, or that “Welcome to Earth!” is from Independence Day. But can you name the movie that spawned the obscure lines of dialogue below?
4 Words Popularized By Pop Songs
English is a constantly changing language, with new words entering the lexicon from other cultures, the news, science…and even music.
Second Generation Television
Compared to movies or theater, TV is a relatively new medium, but it’s just old enough that it’s the family business for multiple generations.
Seattle’s Superheroes Must Die(t)
For the better part of the last decade, Seattle man Ben Fodor has patrolled the means streets of his city dressed as a costumed vigilante named “Phoenix Jones.” He’s also the leader and founder of The Rain City Superhero Movement, a group of Seattleites who, inspired by Fodor/Phoenix, defend truth, justice, and the American Way.
And the Award For Most Awards Goes To…
At the recent 68th Annual Tony Awards, one of the recipients set a new Tonys Record. Here’s what Audra McDonald did, along with some other award-show record holders.
Mmmm…Conspiracy Theories
Does The Simpsons know more about geopolitical affairs than they’re letting on? Here’s a look at the “evidence.”
The Fall of Colossus
It’s the end of an era. Colossus, one of the world’s most famous roller coasters, is about to bite the dust.
The Hard Luck of Andrew Ridgeley
Wham! was one of the most successful groups of the 1980s. While George Michael went on to lasting solo success with more serious music (and some tabloid scandals), his former bandmate just couldn’t catch a break.
You’re Saying It Wrong: Celebrity Names Edition
In which Uncle John corrects widespread grammatical and language abominations. Here are a few celebrity names that you may be pronouncing wrong. Can you name any others?
Bjork
The world’s most famous Icelander and swan dress-wearer pronounces her name “b-yerk,” not “b-york.”
The Musical Careers of Three Former Child Stars
These three actors rode the waves of fame at an age when most of us were still picking bubblegum out of our braces. But once those careers slowed down, they chased a different spotlight into the music business.
Hollywood’s Ghost Towns
Westerns were incredibly popular in the mid-20th century. Amazingly, many of the sets used in these films are still standing and you can even visit some of them. Here are just a few, pilgrim.
