eBay A Day: An Auction Almanac

Thursday, August 16, 2007

2007-08-16T06:26:00.000-04:00

One year ago today eBay A Day: An Auction Almanac went online. Every day since then, we have marked the days of the year with images from currently available auctions on eBay. There were no days during which something tied into the history of the day could not be found among the offerings at the global garage sale (though to be fair, we did take weekends to look for fun things that were seldom date specific).

With the closing of the year, we also see the closing of the almanac.

To mark the passing of a year, we present a classic Superman Annual, filled with some of the man of steel's greatest adventures.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

2007-08-15T06:26:00.000-04:00

The technicolor MGM musical film adaptation of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theater on this day in 1939.

Among the many classic songs featured in the film, Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen's "Over The Rainbow" has become a firm part of the "American Songbook." This colorful copy of the sheet music features images from the film, as well as original artwork.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

2007-08-14T06:26:00.000-04:00

The Oregon Territory was created on this day in 1848. The territory included what is now Oregon, Idaho, Washington and parts of Wyoming and Montana.

The path to the Oregon Territory is well known to anyone who has attended school since the dawn of the personal computer, as The Oregon Trail has taught generations of students about the lives of westward moving pioneers.

Monday, August 13, 2007

2007-08-13T06:26:00.000-04:00

Taxicabs first rolled onto the streets of New York City one hundred years ago today.

Here a pair of taxi's patiently wait for the light to change as a pedestrian makes his way across the street.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

2007-08-12T06:26:00.000-04:00

This week's Sunday Funnies is all about the Justice League. Not just any Justice League. The bestest Justice League.

Maxwell Lord (recently destroyed by the supervillains who have infiltrated the headquarters of DC Comics) was a sleazy businessman who had a bright idea in the wake of the disbanding of the original (or the last incarnation of the original) Justice League of America: start the league up all over again, but with him pulling the strings and getting a large chunk of the glory (and profits from tie-in merchandise).

Since many of the bigger DC heroes were busy being reinvented from the ground up, some newer characters and second-tier folks were brought in to fill the ranks. This allowed the people responsible, Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire to have more fun than they could have with DC's top icons.

The cover of the first issue was often imitated by other comics, as well as by JLI itself. Issue 24 features the largest group shot of the run, just prior to the launch of the Justice League Europe spin-off.

Bonus image (from the same auction):

One of the more notable things to happen in the series was Batman punching out loudmouth Guy Gardner (with a single punch) in the fifth issue. A few issues later, Guy woke up and promptly hit his head on the underside of a computer. This caused him to adopt an absurdly milquetoast persona for several issues. Another bump on the head many issues later returned Guy to his normal obnoxious personality. This change is marked in two of the covers shown here (the upper left and lower right to be precise).

Saturday, August 11, 2007

2007-08-11T06:26:00.000-04:00

On this Cartoon Saturday, we remember M.A.S.K. (short of Mobile Armored Strike Kommand). Like Masters of The Universe, Transformers and G.I. Joe (among many others), M.A.S.K. was toy-inspired. With it's combination of good guy heroics again a villanous organization and vehicles that convert from one thing (a regular motorcycle, for example) into another (i.e. a helicopter), most references to the show suggest it was a deliberate hybrid of the success of G.I. Joe and Transformers. Whether specifically a cash-in attempt by Kenner and DIC (against Hasbro and Sunbow/Marvel) or not, the appeal was certainly right for the era. The M.A.S.K. agents were spy-types, working against the schemes of various henchmen of the V.E.N.O.M. organization. A later change to a racing theme pretty much killed off the show and the toy line.

Hondo MacLean's groovy 57 Chevy was one of our favorites in the M.A.S.K. line.

Friday, August 10, 2007

2007-08-10T06:26:00.000-04:00

The United States edged up to the halfway point of its current 50 states on this day in 1821, as Missouri became state number 24.

If you can't visit the Show Me State, you can take a trip through the magic of your view-master.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

2007-08-09T06:26:00.000-04:00

The world first learned that only you can prevent forest fires on this day in 1944, as the first poster bearing the likeness of Smokey Bear, the protector of the forest, was issued.

This comic book was issued to reveal the "true story" of the forest fire fighting bear.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

2007-08-08T06:26:00.000-04:00

Richard Nixon announced his resignation from the Presidency of the United States on this day in 1974. The resignation, a preemptive avoidance of impeachment over the Watergate break-in, would take effect the following day.

A portrait of Nixon.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

2007-08-07T06:26:00.000-04:00

Courtesan, exotic dancer and convicted secret (double) agent Margaretha Zelle was born on this day in 1876. Known better by her stage name, Mata Hari, and less by her supposed codename, H-21. Though historians seem unsure of her true allegiances during the first world war, she was executed on the grounds that she had been aiding Germany.

The tale of a sexy, exotic female spy proved irresistible to filmmakers, novelists and others. Here is a movie poster for one version of Mata Hari's story.

Monday, August 6, 2007

2007-08-06T06:26:00.000-04:00

After about a thousand years, the Holy Roman Empire came to an end on this day 201 years ago.

Holy Roman Currency, Batman!

Sunday, August 5, 2007

2007-08-05T06:26:00.000-04:00

For this week's Sunday Funnies, we found an old issue of Wonder Woman containing the first full-length feature story starring Wonder Girl. Wonder Girl started out as the Wonder Woman version of Superboy: the adventures of Wonder Woman as a girl. Similar stories were told of Wonder Tot (akin to Superbaby). Strangely adult Wonder Woman frequently teamed up with her younger selves. So much so that Wonder Girl was seen as a teen sidekick to Wonder Woman, even though they're the same person. This led to Wonder Girl's membership in the Teen Titans, at which point people decided to make Wonder Girl someone else entirely.

All that introduction and who's the villain in the piece? Talking pancake batter.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

2007-08-04T06:26:00.000-04:00

On this cartoon Saturday, we just looked for something interesting, cool or different and we just found a miscolored plastic Quickdraw Mcgraw head. Oh well.

Here it is.

Friday, August 3, 2007

2007-08-03T06:26:00.000-04:00

Today is singer Tony Bennett's birthday. Generally considered one of the best of the best throughout his over half-century career.

In addition to his vocal talents, Tony Bennett is also an accomplished painter, as seen here in a lithograph of his portrait of another one of the best of the best, Ella Fitzgerald.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

2007-08-02T06:26:00.000-04:00

US Navy Patrol Torpedo ship 109 was hit by a Japanese destroyer and split in two on this day in 1943, killing two crewmen and sinking the vessel. Largely through the combined efforts of the ship's skipper, John F. Kennedy, two Solomon Islanders, Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana and Australian coastwatcher Arthur Reginald Evans the rest of the crew was rescued, and many continued to serve in the second World War aboad PT-59.

Now that you know the story, you can build this authentic replica model and relive the PT-109 adventure!

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

2007-08-01T06:26:00.000-04:00

Today is the birthday of Francis Scott Key. His 1814 poem, "The Defense of Fort McHenry," written at the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812 became the American national anthem in 1916 under its alternate name, "The Star Spangled Banner."

At the time of the Battle of Baltimore, the American flag had 15 stars and 15 stripes, to incorporate the addition of Vermont and Kentucky to the original 13 states. It was the only version of the flag with more than 13 stripes and was used from 1795-1818.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

2007-07-31T06:26:00.000-04:00

Christopher Columbus became the first European to visit Trinidad on this day in 1498. He claimed it for Spain.

Pictured here is Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Monday, July 30, 2007

2007-07-30T06:26:00.000-04:00

Jimmy Hoffa has been missing 32 years as of today.

Have you seen this man?

Sunday, July 29, 2007

2007-07-29T06:26:00.000-04:00

We were in the mood for love for this week's Sunday Funnies, but we're not really sure what we found.

Mr. Anthony's Love Clinic, one of the many "romance" comics aimed at female readers in the 1950's, features "intimate revelations of love and romance" as told to the apparently very real "John J. Anthony," the director of the "Marital Relations Institute" and host of a weekly radio program.

What's disturbing about Mr. Anthony is that he appears to be posing as Dr. Anthony, and despite being some sort of popular marriage counselor, he seems to want to examine the woman seated on this cover as though he were an actual physician.˜

Saturday, July 28, 2007

2007-07-28T06:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the anniversary of Bugs Bunny's debut in 1940's A Wild Hare, so today's Cartoon Saturdays is dedicated to the wascally wabbit.

Here, Bugs is depicted on a Mattel Music Maker from the early 1960's.

Friday, July 27, 2007

2007-07-27T06:26:00.000-04:00

The United States Department of State (originally known as the Department of Foreign Affairs) was established on this day in 1789.

The Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford, Henry Kissinger, appears here in his alter ego as "Super Kissinger" on a wristwatch.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

2007-07-26T06:26:00.000-04:00

Fidel Castro began his six year struggle for control of Cuba on this day in 1953.

This photograph is from the opposite end of the struggle, upon his victory in 1959.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

2007-07-25T06:26:00.000-04:00

The United States invaded Puerto Rico on this date in 1898, as part of the Spanish-American war. On this date 54 years later, Puerto Rico became a Commonwealth with its own constitution (though still under U.S. control).

Pictured is a news photo of the Governor's palace in Puerto Rico in the early 1950's shortly before the establishment of the Commonwealth. It was the scene of many of the protests that led to the self-governance of the territory.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

2007-07-24T06:26:00.000-04:00

Today is television's Wonder Woman, actress Lynda Carter's birthday.

She could be standing near her invisible jet, we just can't tell.

Monday, July 23, 2007

2007-07-23T06:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Today is former radio talk show host Don Imus' birthday. Might as well note it, since it could be the last time you know who he is.

Here is his record album from a happier time in his career.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

2007-07-22T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Continuing our lunar weekend, today's Sunday Funnies dug up a Jack Kirby comic all about the space race. Though nobody shot at Buzz Aldrin with laser pistols, the flag claiming the moon for the U.S. was pretty much on the mark.

It's not clear why everyone is wearing the same uniform if they're racing each other to the moon, but then again, it is pretty cool to be the guy that gets to stick the flag in the crater...

Saturday, July 21, 2007

2007-07-21T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Might as well celebrate the lunar landing this weekend on Saturday Cartoons.

Sailor Moon is one of the most popular anime franchises to have hit the United States, garnering fans of all ages and having lots of uniquely American tie-in products made. Though it has plenty of male fans, for various reasons, it was also very popular with young girls, and was one of the most successful programs feature female super-heroes ever.

This is a Sailor Moon star locket. We don't know what it is, but it appears to be very expensive.

Friday, July 20, 2007

2007-07-20T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

The Eagle landed on this day in 1969, as the Apollo 11's lunar landing module touched down on the surface of the moon.

Relive the true life adventures of the first men on the moon with this model kit.

Thursday, July 19, 2007

2007-07-19T18:26:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

2007-07-18T18:26:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

2007-07-17T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

The city of Anaheim, California changed forever on this day in 1955, as Disneyland opened to the public.

Upon its closing in 1996, the Main Street Electrical Parade was dismantled and the original light bulbs were sold. Pictured is one of them.

Monday, July 16, 2007

2007-07-16T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Popcorn mogul Orville Redenbacher celebrates his birthday today.

After eating your popcorn, clean up after yourself with Orville Redenbacher napkins.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

2007-07-15T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

We were going to look at Blue Beetle, and maybe Booster Gold from the Giffen-DeMatties Justice League run. While looking we found an issue of the spin-off series starring Mister Miracle (and the missus, Big Barda) guest starring Booster and Beetle.

The Mister Miracle series was (at least as it started) a sitcom. Scott and Barda Free (and their pal Oberon) moved into a new home and tried to live a normal life, despite their ties to the United Nations-backed JLI, their closest friends being some wacky super-heroes and their essentially being fugitives from Darkseid's Apokolips.

Of course they probably could have made it work better if not for the involvement of Giffen and DeMatteis.

Later the book got less funny, less connected to JLI, and finally less published (also known as cancelled).

Here's the cover of Mister Miracle issue number 8, guest starring Booster and Beetle, wherein the Free family deals with their latest domestic difficulty.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

2007-07-14T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Star Trek's opening credits always promised a five year mission, but despite the best efforts of its fans, the show lasted only three years, leaving that promise unfulfilled.

A few years later, Star Trek returned to the small screen in animated form, running for two seasons, giving the crew of the Enterprise their five years.

Here the animated Kirk and Spock pose for a photograph.

Friday, July 13, 2007

2007-07-13T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Today is Friday the 13th. It might not be the best day to go to a hockey game.

Jason Voorhees, who made hockey masks fashionable, has now been reborn in a custom lego figure.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

2007-07-12T18:26:00.000-04:00

[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Twiddling your thumbs became an art form on this day in 1960, when the Etch-A-Sketch went on sale.

Despite frequent flirts with variations, the classic red and white look has endured the decades.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

2007-07-11T18:26:00.000-04:00
[Fire up your delorian, hop in your police call box, fly around the planet really fast, throw yourself into a spinning tunnel... however you swing through time, we've got a missing week to relive...]

Babe Ruth made his major league debut with the Boston Red Sox on this day in 1914.

This is a reproduction of the Babe's rookie card.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

2007-07-10T06:26:00.000-04:00
Wyoming attained statehood on this day in 1890.

Apparently in Wyoming the meaning of the term "highway" is slightly different than it is elsewhere.

Monday, July 9, 2007

2007-07-09T06:26:00.000-04:00
Henry Tibbe received a patent on the modified and improved design of the corncob pipe on this day in 1878.

Frosty the Snowman did for corncob pipes what the Flintstones did for Winston cigarettes.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

2007-07-08T06:26:00.000-04:00
We're still quasi-time traveling on this week's Sunday Funnies, but never fear, comics are a great place to travel the timestream.

If you're going to travel through time in a comic book, you probably shouldn't waste time with amateurs (or weirdoes like Waverider). Nope, you should stick with a master. A time master, like Rip Hunter.

Traveling through time, even with a master like Rip Hunter, isn't without it's risks, such as attacking birdmen from Babylon.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

2007-07-07T06:26:00.000-04:00
On this cartoon Saturday we weren't really here.

That said, while time travel is not exactly possible, thanks to the magic of "Completed Items" and Blogger post-dating, we can come pretty close.

In honor of our foray into quasi-time travel, we decided to look for a watch.

The best one we found is a swell Popeye pocket watch, featuring most of the classic Popeye cast of characters, including Wimpy, Bluto and Swee' Pea.

It yis what it yis.

Friday, July 6, 2007

2007-07-06T06:26:00.000-04:00
The first Major League Baseball All Star Game was played on this day in 1933. The game, played in Comiskey Park, Chicago was part of the 1933 Chicago World's Fair.

The concept for the All Star Game proved irresistible to board game creators.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

2007-07-05T06:26:00.000-04:00
P.T. Barnum, master salesman and humbug artist, plus founder of the circus and sideshow industry, was born on this day in 1810.

Commemorative coins look like money but have no financial use at all. Still, they sometimes change hands for considerable amounts. Thus it's especially fitting that one was pressed of P.T. Barnum.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

2007-07-04T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is the Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day in the United States of America.

Independence Day is most commonly celebrated by watching things blow up in pretty colors, as this respectable looking family is doing.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

2007-07-03T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is the birthday of author Franz Kafka.

Pictured above is the cover for a 1940's edition of his excellent work The Castle.

Monday, July 2, 2007

2007-07-02T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is actress Lindsay Lohan's birthday. She turns 21, which for many Americans is an exciting milestone, as it means they can finally go and drink in public. Hopefully Ms. Lohan will find some way of making today exciting anyway.

Wish you could hang with the queen of the teen scene? Well, thanks to Scholastic, now's your chance.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

2007-07-01T06:26:00.000-04:00
On today's Sunday Funnies, we've got a giveaway comic from Fort Ticonderoga. Dating from 1950, this comic was used to provide the back story visitors to the historic Revolutionary War site in upstate New York. The art (and apparently text) was done by Fred Ray, a staple of DC's Golden Age titles, penciling memorable covers for early issues of Superman and Batman among many others.

The cover of the Fort Ticonderoga comic.

Saturday, June 30, 2007

2007-06-30T06:26:00.000-04:00
This week's Cartoon Saturdays is one of those where we look for something neat and then tell you something about the cartoon related.

Bug Bunny was a rascally rabbit and Elmer Fudd pronounced his "r's" as "w's." Thus "wascally wabbits."

We think Elmer looks a lot like Mr. Mxyztplk in this picture.

Friday, June 29, 2007

2007-06-29T06:26:00.000-04:00
The Townshend Acts, which placed an import duty on a whole bunch of stuff, tea for example, coming into America from Britain were enacted on this day in 1767. The colonists were somewhat displeased with this.

Though a financial burden, the longest lasting result of the Townshend Acts were the American tradition of tea parties. Tea parties, though the efforts of the Daughters of The American Revolution have become so essential to a young girl's life that even anti-social young women like Lucy Van Pelt enjoy them.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

2007-06-28T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is director, writer, actor and producer Mel Brooks' birthday.

Pictured above is the birthday boy in a promo photo for his 1983 remake of "To Be Or Not To Be."

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

2007-06-27T06:26:00.000-04:00
Hurricane Audrey achieved Category 4 size, speed and strength fifty years ago today, just as it drew near both Louisiana and Texas. The storm claimed the lives of hundreds
and caused massive damage across several states.

The name Audrey was retired from the hurricane naming system after this storm (and hadn't been used before). It was not retired from the naming of comic book characters that would have creepy looking puppets made of them.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

2007-06-26T06:26:00.000-04:00
The boardwalk opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey on this day in 1870.

Here a family is assisted in their sightseeing by an unfortunate guy who has to push them in a "rolling chair."

Monday, June 25, 2007

2007-06-25T06:26:00.000-04:00
George Orwell, author and perhaps prophet, celebrates his birthday today.

This cover of Orwell's Animal Farm is pretty trippy for a Penguin Classic.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

2007-06-24T06:26:00.000-04:00
This week's Sunday Funnies looks at The Human Fly. We were going to make fun of Marvel for coming up with this character, since they'd had a lot of luck with that human spider, but then we found out that Spider-Man actually guest-starred in The Human Fly's book, so Marvel wasn't trying to pretend otherwise. I guess it was less calculated than Spider-Woman.

What struck us was the fact that the cover tells us he's "the wildest super-hero ever -- because he's REAL!" We don't remember ever hearing about a real super-hero called the Human Fly, or anyone who looked like the guy on the cover, for that matter. Apparently, the "real" Human Fly was a stunt man named Rick Rojatt. Except the real Rick Rojatt wasn't a super-hero at all, wild or otherwise, though he did have a rocket-powered motorcycle, which kind of beats the Batcycle. Then again, he only used it once and it crashed, badly. Still, prior to crashing (well, more like simultaneously) The Human Fly beat Evil Kneivel's bus jumping record.

The Human Fly #1.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

2007-06-23T06:26:00.000-04:00
This week's Cartoon Saturday we're giving you a "Care Bears Stare" (ok, we're not really, since we don't have a picture of the eBay logo atop a calendar tattooed on our tummy, we're just gonna talk Care Bears for a sec).

The Care Bears were cute little bears that each represented an emotion, for use on greeting cards produced by the American Greetings firm. Within a few years, it occurred to someone that the bears had potential beyond wishing you a happy birthday or suggesting you get well soon. Kenner, who seemed to have made a deal with something in the 1980's got the job of coming up with a toy tie-in to a bunch of already well known cute bears. The decided to make teddy bears. That must have taken months to come up with.

In any event, they also made some cool posable action figures of the bears, jointed pretty much the same as Kenner's Star Wars line, but thankfully not using the same molds (or even the same type of plastic).

All that's well and good, but the important part of all of this marketing magic led to that greatest thing of almost all 1980's toy lines, the animated series. The Care Bears ran for three seasons (doing a reverse of the norm, starting in syndication and then moving to a network (ABC)'s Saturday morning line-up). In addition to the series, there were also three animated movies. Recently the Care Bears have had a bit of a resurgence, with old episodes making their way to DVD and brand new CGI versions of the Care Bears appearing in new direct-to-video films.

This is a nice Care Bears lunchbox with some art that pre-dates the animated series.

Friday, June 22, 2007

2007-06-22T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is director and screenwriter Billy Wilder's birthday.

This postcard shows the scene at Grauman's Chinese Theatre while Wilder's Some Like It Hot was up on the screen.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

2007-06-21T18:26:00.000-04:00
Cyrus McCormick received a patent on the first horse-drawn merchanical reaper on this day in 1834. It took him six week's to develop the idea, which had been worked on by his father for well over a decade.

Though this new reaper would revolutionize the farming industry, it was no cause for fear.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

2007-06-20T06:26:00.000-04:00
Lizzie Borden was acquitted of charges that she took an axe and gave her mother forty wacks (and then, upon seeing what she'd done, giving her father forty-one) on this day in 1893.

The Chad Mitchell Trio scored a hit with their song about the infamous axe murders.

Tuesday, June 19

2007-06-19T06:26:00.000-04:00
The Battle of Dragasani took place on this day in 1821. It was part of the Greek War of Independence waged between Greek rebels and the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire won this one.

Years later things were calmer, as shown in this picture of downtown Dragasani.

Monday, June 18, 2007

2007-06-18T06:26:00.000-04:00
America saw it's first duel on this day in 1621.

If dueling is what you like, Pirates! is a heckuva game.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

2007-06-17T06:26:00.000-04:00
Since today is father's day, we'll use this week's Sunday Funnies to tell you about "The First Batman." We're not talking about the first person clean up after a commissioned officer, but rather the first person to dress up like a bat and strike terror into the hearts of criminals (though not other guests at a costume party). It was none other than Bruce Wayne's pop, Dr. Thomas Wayne.

Yes, he was attending a costume party dressed in a costume surprisingly similar to the Golden Age Batman suit, when some hoodlums caused some trouble. Well, not standing for that sort of thing, Dr. Wayne (still in costume) punched them out and saved the day. Thus he became "The First Batman." Or so the story goes.

The story appeared in Detective Comics 235, pictured above alongside a coverless issue 150.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

2007-06-16T06:26:00.000-04:00
With the Fantastic Four back on the big screen, we decided to use this week's Saturday Cartoons to mention H.E.R.B.I.E., the robot who replaced the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four's 1970's cartoon series.

The ever popular Johnny Storm was heading to a big screen adventure of his own, which literally flamed out. Due to the weird and wonderful world of licensing contracts, the Torch was unavailable to producers of the late 70's toon, so they had to go for the next best thing. Though he tends to be unloved by the fans, the initial idea for H.E.R.B.I.E. (or at least a robot sidekick) came from Stan Lee, and the character design was eventually done by Jack Kirby, so while he may have been a (much) later addition, he has the same lineage as the rest of the FF.

H.E.R.B.I.E. was made into an action figure, seen here alongside Franklin Richards, son of Mr. Fantastic and The Invisible Woman.

Friday, June 15, 2007

2007-06-15T06:26:00.000-04:00
Habeas Corpus, and the rest of the rights granted by the Magna Carta, got their seal of approval by King John of England on this date in 1215.

We liked it so much we made a commemorative stamp.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

2007-06-14T06:26:00.000-04:00
Hawaii officially became a U.S. Territory on this day in 1900. Before that is was a possession, later it was a state.

Much like flowered print shirts at a thrift shop, we got Hawaii with a bunch of other stuff, like Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

2007-06-13T06:26:00.000-04:00
Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen share their birthday today.

Though they released several music albums, unlike many tween-appealing stars, their work sadly cannot technically be considered "bubblegum pop," which means they really missed something somewhere.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

2007-06-12T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is Irwin Allen's birthday. He brought us such television programs as Lost in Space, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, and The Time Tunnel.

Pictured is an issue of Gold Key's Time Tunnel comic.

Monday, June 11, 2007

2007-06-11T06:26:00.000-04:00
Captain James Cook crashed into the Great Barrier Reef off Australia and thus discovered it on this day in 1770.

A safer way to explore the reef is by reading a guidebook like this one.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

2007-06-10T18:26:00.000-04:00
This week's Sunday Funnies continues our reaction* to the movement denying evolution, which apparently picks up around this time of year, given that Tennessee issued a textbook on this day in 1925 refuting it.

We beg to differ. If there's no evolution, how can one explain a spy organization consisting of chimpanzees who use a rock band (named The Evolution Revolution, natch) as a front?

Pictured above is the first issue of Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp.

(* See here, here and here.)

Saturday, June 9, 2007

2007-06-09T06:26:00.000-04:00
An astoundingly easy Cartoon Saturday subject to decide on this week, as today marks 73 years of Donald Duck. The Silly Symphony "The Wise Little Hen" was released by Walt Disney on this day in 1934, featuring the first appearance of the most famous of the Disney ducks.

Donald is pictured on the cover of this "Eye Popper Puzzles" book from the late 70's. We doubt that sort of thing is quite how the even-tempered duck chooses to relax, so given the nice condition of the cover, we assume it's not Donald's personal copy.

Friday, June 8, 2007

2007-06-08T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is singer Nancy Sinatra's birthday.

Apparently, these were made for walking.

Thursday, June 7, 2007

2007-06-07T06:26:00.000-04:00
Richard Henry Lee, Pennsylvania delegate to the first Continental Congress, put forth a resolution on this day in 1776 that the Congress should declare its independence from England. He likely would have authored the Declaration of Independence had he not been forced to take a leave of absence from the Congress to see to his ill wife.

Though Lee would miss his chance to write it, The Declaration of Independence was written without him, and is here presented on a copper sheet.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

2007-06-06T06:26:00.000-04:00
The Battle Of Stoney Creek took place during the War of 1812 on this day in 1813. As we frequently find ourselves having to do when referencing events during that particular war, we would like to assure you that even though the battle happened in 1813, it did in fact take place in Stoney Creek.

Here you can see Stoney Creek, Ontario in happier times. Perhaps in 1814.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

2007-06-05T06:26:00.000-04:00
Children's book illustrator and author Richard Scarry was born on this day. Known best as the creator of Busytown, he was also the illustrator of many "Little Golden Books."

Pictured above is a 1940's "Little Golden Book" illustrated by Richard Scarry.

Monday, June 4, 2007

2007-06-04T06:26:00.000-04:00
The Transcontinental Express arrived in California after leaving New York city about 83 and a half hours earlier on this day in 1876. It crossed the country on the First Transcontinental Railroad.

You couldn't tell by looking at it, but this old toy train is actually from years later.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

2007-06-03T06:26:00.000-04:00
Since Friday was the anniversary of the first appearance of Peanuts' Linus's security blanket, we though we'd dedicate this week's Sunday Funnies to Lucy's little brother.

Aside from his decades in print, Linus has reminded generations of viewers of the true meaning of Christmas year after year in A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Here is a vintage Linus figurine from 1966. He's accompanied by his trusty blanket as he should be.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

2007-06-02T06:26:00.000-04:00

This week's cartoon Saturday picks up from Mel Blanc's birthday back on Wednesday, as we note Daffy Duck.

The duck was top banana at the Warner studios until the rabbit made it big (just as the pig was before the duck). His earliest shorts, by Bob Clampett were his zaniest, with Daffy at his most manic, bouncing all over the place like a, well, a daffy duck. Later interpretations by Robert McKimson setting him up as a half of a comedy team with Porky Pig and Chuck Jones' definitive version of Daffy as the jealous rival of Bugs Bunny, glory seeking, egotistical and almost (and sometimes completely) accidentally self-destructive all provided for classic moments, but for sheer lunacy, nothing beats the Clampett Daffy.

This week's cartoon Saturday picks up from Mel Blanc's birthday back on Wednesday, as we note Daffy Duck.

The duck was top banana at the Warner studios until the rabbit made it big (just as the pig was before the duck). His earliest shorts, by Bob Clampett were his zaniest, with Daffy at his most manic, bouncing all over the place like a, well, a daffy duck. Later interpretations by Robert McKimson setting him up as a half of a comedy team with Porky Pig and Chuck Jones' definitive version of Daffy as the jealous rival of Bugs Bunny, glory seeking, egotistical and almost (and sometimes completely) accidentally self-destructive all provided for classic moments, but for sheer lunacy, nothing beats the Clampett Daffy.

Though the more modern Jones version is the most frequently seen Daffy likeness on licensed products, this 70's Pepsi premium pictures the Daffy of the Bob Clampett era.

Though the more modern Jones version is the most frequently seen Daffy likeness on licensed products, this 70's Pepsi premium pictures the Daffy of the Bob Clampett era.

Friday, June 1, 2007

2007-06-01T06:26:00.000-04:00
Linus van Pelt was first seen carrying his security blanket in the Peanuts strip that ran on this day in 1954.

This blue blanket is sure to offer security to whoever owns it.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

2007-05-31T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is actress Brooke Shields' birthday.

In the early 1980's nothing got between her and her Calvins.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

2007-05-30T06:26:00.000-04:00
Voiceover actor Mel Blanc was born on this day. Best known as the man behind the words of Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Porky Pig, Foghorn Leghorn, Tweety and Sylvester and almost every major (and minor) Looney Tunes character he also moved over to Hanna-Barbera's television efforts and voiced everyone from Barney Rubble and Captain Caveman to Secret Squirrel and Speed Buggy.

One of the few non-animated characters Mel Blanc voiced was the robot Twiki from Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

2007-05-29T06:26:00.000-04:00
The first successful climb to the peak of Mount Everest was achieved on this day in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

This antique phonograph needle tin has little to do with the famed mountain other than as an unrelated brand name. You'd think there was some sort of "peak" reference going on, but the tin's artwork doesn't make that connection.

Monday, May 28, 2007

2007-05-28T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is author and adventurer Ian Fleming's birthday. Fleming, himself a member of British intelligence community during the second World War, is best known as the creator of the definitive superspy, James Bond.

The Aston Martin is looking a little run down like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in this photo.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

2007-05-27T06:26:00.000-04:00
On this Sunday Funnies, we continue our family reunion weekend with an issue of Warren's Creepy magazine. Not just any issue, but their "Gorilla Warfare Issue!" That's right, the gorillas are fed up with not being invited to family gatherings and being cropped out of family portraits and they're fighting back.

Not only are they fighting back, they're doing it while wearing gladiator helmets and carrying extremely large spears..

Saturday, May 26, 2007

2007-05-26T06:26:00.000-04:00
In honor of yesterday's noting of the arrest of John Scopes, we decided to make this a family reunion weekend. So on this Cartoon Saturday we salute Magilla Gorilla.

Here our pal (and possible relation) Magilla Gorilla is depicted on what is described as a "big Golden Book."

Friday, May 25, 2007

2007-05-25T06:26:00.000-04:00
John Scopes was charged with breaking the Butler Act, a Tennessee law prohibiting the teaching of evolution, on this day in 1925.

Though it is no longer illegal to teach evolution, it is still embarrassing for many people to acknowledge that some of their relatives live in barrels.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

2007-05-24T06:26:00.000-04:00
On this day in 1878, Boston was the site of the first bicycle race in America.

From about a hundred years later comes this Schwinn Stingray.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

2007-05-23T06:26:00.000-04:00
Space age synthesizer pioneer Robert Moog celebrates his birthday today. The weird electronic sounds of his eponymous keyboard were a genre of their own in the late 60's/early 70's, and the modern (and vintage) variations of the Moog Synthesizer remain staples of the electronic music scene of today.

During the heyday of moog records, the uniqueness of the moog sound led to strange record titles such as this, "The Plastic Cow Goes Moooog!"

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

2007-05-22T06:26:00.000-04:00
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was born on this day in 1859. Though most remembered for detective Holmes, he also wrote several adventures of science fiction adventurer Professor Challenger, as well as many historical works.

Doyle's most famous creation, Sherlock Holmes, is depicted on this anthology.

Monday, May 21, 2007

2007-05-21T06:26:00.000-04:00
We pity the fool who doesn't know this is Mr. T's birthday.

Mr. T is pictured both as a relatively shoddy line drawing and a very well done painting on this lunch box/thermos combo.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

2007-05-20T06:26:00.000-04:00
With Pirates of The Caribbean: At World's End opening this week, no doubt those scourges of the seven seas will be at the front of the public consciousness once more. So we decided for this week's Sunday Funnies we'd hunt us down some pirates!

We found what looks to be an exciting tome of high seas adventure, with an exciting cover depicting a striped-socks wearing fiend brandishing a club locked in battle with another fella wielding what looks like his empty lunch bag. It's published by Classics Illustrated, the folks who made Cliff Notes with cool pictures. Strangely it's part of their "The World Around Us" series. Well, strangely to us. We don't know what your world is like.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

2007-05-19T06:26:00.000-04:00
This Cartoon Saturday falls on PBS news anchor Jim Lehrer's birthday. So we're digging up something on PBS animated stalwart Arthur. Arthur is an aardvark who originally appeared (and continues to appear) in a series of books by Marc Brown. Though his television series began in 1996, Arthur first appeared in animated form on an episode of another PBS program, Reading Rainbow.

This doll really doesn't look much like the animated version of Arthur.

Friday, May 18, 2007

2007-05-18T06:26:00.000-04:00
Back on this day in 1804, the French senate decided to make Napoleon Bonaparte the emperor of France.

Napoleon's final defeat came in the Belgian town of Waterloo. Waterloo was also the name of the song which earned Swedish pop group Abba the top spot at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

2007-05-17T06:26:00.000-04:00
The first Kentucky Derby was run on this day in 1875.

This derby can be worn anywhere, including Kentucky.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

2007-05-16T06:26:00.000-04:00
Actress Yvonne Craig celebrates her birthday today. She is best known as television's "Batgirl," and "that green chick from Star Trek."

Largely powered solely on her appearances on the Batman TV show, Batgirl was an overnight sensation, and even made it into Mego's line of cool super heroes from the 1970's.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

2007-05-15T06:26:00.000-04:00
This is the birthday of author Lyman Frank Baum, creator of the marvelous land of Oz and its interesting residents (and visitors).

Pictured is one of the zillions of various editions of the book, this one dates from the 1940's and features illustrations by Julian Wehr.

Monday, May 14, 2007

2007-05-14T06:26:00.000-04:00
Star Wars creator George Lucas celebrates his birthday today.

Like everyone else associated with Star Wars, George Lucas was transformed into a 3 3/4 inch slab of plastic courtesy of Kenner.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

2007-05-13T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is mother's day, so for this week's Sunday Funnies, we look to May Parker. Though she was not Peter Parker's mother, Aunt May raised him alongside his Uncle Ben, and then raised him along after his death (because Peter couldn't be bothered to stop that crook...).

She was always concerned about Peter, what with his being such a fragile boy, and was always proud of his work as a photographer for the Daily Bugle, even if she wasn't so fond of his frequent subject matter, Spider-Man.

While Aunt May wasn't so fond of Spidey, she was a bit taken with his nemeis Doctor Octopus, and even took a trip down the altar with him!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

2007-05-12T06:26:00.000-04:00
Since today's the birthday of better-than-average-wit Yogi Berra, we thought we'd dig up something tied into the better-than-average-bear, Yogi Bear for today's Cartoon Saturday.

Sure enough, we found a nicely done cover to a UK comic book annual.

Friday, May 11, 2007

2007-05-11T06:26:00.000-04:00
The city of Constantinople was founded on this day in 330. It used to be Byzantium. Why they changed it, we can't say. People just liked it better that way.

This postcard shows a military parade in Constantinople from the early 20th Century.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

2007-05-10T06:26:00.000-04:00
The Tea Act was passed by the English Parliament on this day in 1773. It placed a tax upon all tea in the United States colonies and proved to be a bad idea.

This ad for John Hancock insurance depicts the tea party that celebrated the passage of the act.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

2007-05-09T06:26:00.000-04:00
Today is the birthday of Sir James "J.M." Barrie, author and creator Peter Pan.

Pictured is an early work by Barrie set in "Thurms" which was Barrie's name for his home town of Kirriemuir in Angus, Scotland.