Tis the end of November,

Farewell Autumnal wench,

Now come the Dogs of Winter,

all fangs foul breath and stench.

NO CRATER LOVE

 

I love this bag of bootleg crater critters from Mexico, Criaturas Extranas.

There's even an R&L style Molab in there too for good measure!

You got any bootleg crater critters or real ones maybe?

DO YOU STILL SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS?

My old Mum used to send tons of Christmas cards out in the Sixties and Seventies. All glittery things depicting baubles and stagecoaches. It took her ages to get them all written, stamped and sent. Anyone living close by got theirs personally delivered, a Xmas tradition that maybe vanishing, especially now we have this darn virus around.

I loved those old cards my Mum sent out and still do, so much so, I got a load of unused ones years ago and still send them out myself, keeping the old style alive a bit I hope.

But, over the years I've started sending fewer cards at Christmas. This is largely for environmental reasons and reducing paper and all that. I do enjoy writing Xmas cards though so my siblings and closest nephews get one. Its just so easy to send an electronic card by email nowadays so I do use this facility a lot more now.

Do you send Christmas cards readers? Will the Pandemic affect it?

LAURA LEGENDS MUTANT TURTLES

Hi Woodsy,

Here is a short film clip from Laura Legends featuring Raphael from Teenage Mutant Ninja (or Hero) Turtles, Predator, and Alien, in a battle over a slice of pizza.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1IWu2L1L0A

Paul Adams from New Zealand

HI-YA! THE 1975 KUNG FU TARGET SET

Hi Woodsy

Not certain exactly how a target pistol shooting game ties in with Kung Fu but it must be a rarity. Maybe when you get really good you can deflect the projectiles with just a wave of your hand when your kid brother or sister is shooting you.

Regards

Terry H

*

Speaking of similar simians, compare the Multiple Toymakers Kung Fu Target Set with their much earlier Planet of the Apes Target Set from 1967. Looks to me like good old recycling! Woodsy

Have you anything like these sets readers?

THE PEN FROM UNCLE

1966 TV Ad.

How cool is that!

WATCHING COLUMBO

Just watched an episode of Columbo on TV like I did way back in the Seventies.

Wow! I'd forgotten how good they were. Peter Falk was a great Columbo! No wonder I loved the show as a kid!

Oh, and just one more thing .... !

Did you like Columbo?

Was there any merchandise I wonder?

C O R O N A

 As if the haul of stars

will fall like apples

or melt like rime.

It is the ghastly things

the awful things

that will rob us of our time.

THE FIRST OF ADVENT

 

Almost forgot!

OXYMORONIC

The first real oxymoron I was aware of was cold fire in David Bowie's Prettiest Star.

But there are loads in common speech. Have a gander at the above. Sorry for blurriness.

Do you now any more oxymorons readers?

PASCALL JET PLANES

Hi Woodsy

In addition to the Jubes, I thought you might like to see a packet of Pascall Jet Planes - The Real High Flyers. 

Soft Jelly Lollies in Fabulous Fruit Flavours. Similar to a wine gum, apart from the shape. Many years ago, Jet Planes were a more realistic shape, but now they are rather blob-like objects, with delta wings. 

Again 180 grams, and Made in Australia. The back of the bag says Sugar Confectionery. Ingredients: Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Invert Sugar, Thickener, Gelatine, Food Acid, Colours, Glazing Agent, and Flavours. 

These too have been around for many years. Do you have these in Britain or anywhere else?

Paul Adams from New Zealand

THE MAN FROM UNGLINGA SPY SET

I had to look twice when I saw this!

By Unglinga and available online, its a darn fine looking spy set!

It reminds completely of the uber-cool Marx Man from Uncle Counterspy set from 1966, which I have been collecting for years!

Have you got any spy toys readers?

Did you have any as a kid?

DAVE PROWSE R.I.P.

Another sad passing, sorry to hear that Mr Darth Vader, Dave Prowse has died.

Here's a photo of Mr Prowse and myself at a sci fi convention that took place in Hemsby.

Although well known as the man behind the Darth Vader mask, Dave's favourite role was as the road safety super hero,The Green Cross Code Man.

I have to say he certainly came across as a lovely fella, and was certainly a hit with the fans. Our sincere condolences to his family.

FRUIT JUBES: SHAPED FOR FRUITY FROLICS!

Hi Woodsy 

As promised, here are a couple of photos of a packet of Pascall Fruit Jubes - Shaped for Fruity Frolics. 

The bag is 180 grams. The back of the bag says Jelly Confectionery. It is a dense, jelly-like substance, with a sugar coating. The ingredients are sugar, glucose syrup, thickener, water, gelatine, food acid, fruit juice concentrate, colours, and flavours. Made in Australia. 

I have even dissected one of the jubes, so you can appreciate the interior. I would assume these are also made in Britain, but marketed under a different name ? I have been eating these my whole life, 59 years and counting!

I hope this helps clear up the Great Jube Mystery. 

Paul Adams from New Zealand

HATHERSAGE: THE RESTING PLACE OF LITTLE JOHN

November 2020

Hathersage, 

High Peak, 

Derbyshire, 

England