The Amiga 500 promo video (1987) KKD1247 2007-08-13 | Back in the dark days of DOS computers, all you had to work with your computer were white numbers on a black screen. To do any simple function, you had to write a long line of complicated code. No GUI's! For the novice, it was horrible. Then, one day I saw a video for an Amiga 500 computer and I was hooked! Out went my crappy DOS-system and I bought an Amiga. Suddenly I could do easy lists of all my videos but most of all I could do quality video titles, animations and more. And until the iMac came out with easy digital video, THIS was the way to go! I used mine for years. Step back 20 years and visit the future with the Amiga 500 computer! (See the Amiga 2000 Demo elsewhere in my listings.) Release Date: 1987
Interview with Videophiles Marc Wielage & Rod Woodcock - January, 1985!!! KKD1247 2014-02-13 | (Posted by Kerry's friend Ray Glasser.) Here is an "exclusive" interview with my good friends and fellow videophiles Marc Wielage and Rod Woodcock, who have written extensively for video publications for over 30 years. This was taped in Las Vegas during the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in January of 1985. This was originally shot for my friend Kerry Decker's "NightLife" Show, a home-grown cable TV show about home video; my segment was always called "The Cleveland Tech Report." In this interview, Marc and Rod discuss the first ten years of the then-booming home video industry, and try to predict where it might be headed over the next 10 years. Oddly enough, within 20 years, it would be pretty well gone!!! Video stores, movie rentals, VCRs...they're all pretty much history. (For those of you who MUST know, this was taped with a Sony HVC-2400 camera, recorded on a Sony SL-2000 portable Betamax.)
NightLifes Cleveland Tech Report - Showing the VERY FIRST Betamax & How it Worked! KKD1247 2011-08-20 | (Posted by Ray Glasser.) Here is another "Cleveland Tech Report" that I produced for Kerry Decker's "NightLife" cable-TV show that he produced and aired in the 1980s. This show is an in-depth look at the very first Betamax, which was sold by Sony in late 1975....the LV-1901. It was known as the "Betamax Console" because it was a console - a 19" Sony Trinitron TV coupled with a Betamax VCR that recorded up to 1 hour. It also had 2 TV tuners, so you could watch one channel while recording another channel at the same time! This show was produced in 1985. (I still have this unit, but both the TV and Betamax are broken).
NightLifes Cleveland Tech Report - 1985-86 Pilot Show! KKD1247 2011-08-20 | Here is another "Cleveland Tech Report" that I produced for Kerry Decker's "NightLife" cable-TV show that he produced and aired in the 1980s. This is my "pilot" show for the 1985-86 season, which turned out to be the last season for the "NightLife" show. In this show, I talk about what shows I plan to do for the "Tech Report" for the coming season.
NightLifes Cleveland Tech Report - on How to Organize a Video Library! KKD1247 2011-08-20 | (Posted by Ray Glasser.) Here is another "Cleveland Tech Report" that I produced for Kerry Decker's "NightLife" cable-TV show that he produced and aired in the 1980s. This report is about organizing your video library....showing how I label and number my videotapes, plus how some people organize their library lists. Back in the 1970s and 80s, many many people swapped and traded tapes with other collectors, and publishing an updated library list was an important part of that! Remember, this was all before DVDs came on the scene, which happened in the late 90s. This show was produced in 1985.
NightLifes Cleveland Tech Report - on the Laserdisc Videodisc System - part 2 of 2 KKD1247 2011-08-17 | (Posted by Ray Glasser.) Here is another "Cleveland Tech Report" that I produced for Kerry Decker's "NightLife" cable-TV show that he produced and aired in the 1980s. This report is about the Laserdisc videodisc system that first appeared in late 1978....and the Magnavox player that I demonstrate was the first laserdisc player ever released! I'm not sure if this particular show even aired!! This was produced in 1984, and is part 2 of 2. Also, there are TWO endings to this video....the "standard" ending and an alternate ending....be sure to watch both!!
NightLifes Cleveland Tech Report - on the Laserdisc Videodisc System - part 1 of 2! KKD1247 2011-08-17 | (Posted by Ray Glasser.) Here is another "Cleveland Tech Report" that I produced for Kerry Decker's "NightLife" cable-TV show that he produced and aired in the 1980s. This report is about the Laserdisc videodisc system that first appeared in late 1978....and the Magnavox player that I demonstrate was the first laserdisc player ever released! I'm not sure if this particular show even aired!! This was produced in 1984, and is part 1 of 2.
NightLifes Cleveland Tech Report - on Special Effects in VCRs (1984)! KKD1247 2011-08-17 | (Posted by Ray Glasser.) Here is another "Cleveland Tech Report" that I produced for Kerry Decker's "NightLife" cable-TV show that he produced and aired in the 1980s. This report is about special effects in VCRs, from late 1984. What I show looks barbaric now, of course, since these effects are now commonplace with DVDs; but 27 years ago, in the days before DVDs, these effects were state-of-the-art!!
A strange commercial (from VHS tape) for Windows 98! KKD1247 2011-08-17 | (Posted by Ray Glasser.) Here is a rather strange commercial that I found on a pre-recorded VHS tape from 1998, for Microsoft Windows 98! This just proves that you never know what you might find on those old VHS tapes!!!!
My Video Tribute to Kerry Decker - 12/12/09 - part 2 of 2 KKD1247 2011-08-15 | Here is my video tribute to good friend Kerry Decker, who passed away on Dec. 9, 2009. Kerry and I shared a great friendship for 32 years. Kerry was KKD1247 on YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace. Ironically, he passed only 2 days before what would have been his 62nd birthday on Dec. 11th. This is part 2 of 2.
My Video Tribute to Kerry Decker - 12/12/09 - part 1 of 2 (HD) KKD1247 2011-08-15 | From Ray Glasser: Here is my video tribute to good friend Kerry Decker, who passed away on Dec. 9, 2009. Kerry and I shared a great friendship for 32 years. Kerry was KKD1247 on YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace. Ironically, he passed only 2 days before what would have been his 62nd birthday on Dec. 11th. This is part 1 of 2.
NightLife 1984-85 Pilot Show - Full Version - part 2 of 2 KKD1247 2011-08-15 | Some of you may not know this, but, sadly, Kerry passed away in Dec. of 2009....which is why no new videos have been uploaded to this channel. I am Ray Glasser (videoholic), an old friend of Kerry's. Here, I'm uploading the full, uncut version of his 1984-85 NightLife pilot show, which featured Kerry talking about the first 5 years of the show, plus myself, finally on camera in color, discussing my friendship with Kerry, plus ideas I had for Tech Report shows for the 1984-5 season. Since in 2009 YouTube didn't allow videos over 10 minutes in length, Kerry cut this video way down in length. I'm uploading the "full" version, which ran almost 30 minutes, in 2 15-minute segments. This is part 2, which has myself (taken from the original Betamax tape that I shot) talking about the Cleveland Tech Report, and showing part of the first "video letter" that Kerry sent me, way back in 1977. Kerry then does a short closing to the show. This is part 2 of 2.
NightLife 1984-85 Pilot Show - Full Version - part 1 of 2 KKD1247 2011-08-14 | Some of you may not know this, but, sadly, Kerry passed away in Dec. of 2009....which is why no new videos have been uploaded to this channel. I am Ray Glasser (videoholic), an old friend of Kerry's. Here, I'm uploading the full, uncut version of his 1984-85 NightLife pilot show, which featured Kerry talking about the first 5 years of the show, plus myself, finally on camera in color, discussing my friendship with Kerry, plus ideas I had for Tech Report shows for the 1984-5 season. Since in 2009 YouTube didn't allow videos over 10 minutes in length, Kerry cut this video way down in length. I'm uploading the "full" version, which ran almost 30 minutes, in 2 15-minute segments. This is part 1.
The Launch of Atlas - 4 KKD1247 2009-12-06 | Here is a short video about the launch of a military communications satellite aboard an Atlas-4 rocket. Having been delayed several times, it launched at 8:47pm on Decmber 5, 2009. A souped up version of United Launch Alliances Atlas IV medium rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Saturday night after three days of delays, carrying with it a next generation military communications satellite to help battlefield troops. The Atlas IV 5-4 medium rocket, enhanced with four solid-fueled boosters, lifted off riding a column of fire that lit up the chilly but finally clear central Florida sky. Previous attempts were scrubbed by windy, wet weather and technical troubles with some ground equipment. The rocket flew for 40 minutes before it successfully deployed the Air Force's third Wideband Global SATCOM communications spacecraft, known as WGS-3, into geosynchronous obit. Once again, I grabbed my Canon G9 still camera and set it to the Video Mode to record the event from my front yard. I also took a few still photos which appear at the end. Recorded: December 5, 2009
The Launch of an Atlas - 5 Rocket KKD1247 2009-11-23 | Here is a short video about the launch of a communications satellite aboard an Atlas-5 rocket. Having been delayed several times, it finally launched at almost 2am in the morning. I was up at that hour and was watching news reports regarding the Atlas-5, so I grabbed my Canon G9 still camera and set to the Video Mode to record the event from my front yard. Recorded: November 23, 2009
The Launch of Atlantis STS-129 KKD1247 2009-11-17 | Here is a short video about the launch of Atlantis (STS-129) as seen from downtown Orlando, Florida. Originally I intended to shoot this from Lake Estelle Park which is a great location. However, things don't always go as planned and I had to shoot elsewhere. It was a beautiful November day and 80F out. Just right for a shuttle launch! Taped: November 16, 2009
Eisenhower Speaks About Murder of JFK (1963) KKD1247 2009-11-13 | As each November passes, many Americans still recall the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Forty-six Novembers have passed and so many documentaries, theories, and re-running of film clips have been shown. While reviewing the many films I have about that day, I came across one that's seldom seen. Former President Dwight Eisenhower is interviewed as he leaves a meeting at the United Nations in New York City on November 22, 1963. With his unique perspective on national and international events & history, he gives a commentary to the reporters about the present and the future of this nation. Filmed: November 22, 1963
Pixelvision Videos KKD1247 2009-11-07 | Kerry Looks at: Pixelvision Videos. Here is Part 2 at my look at the Pixelvision system - the only system developed that recorded black & white video onto audio cassettes. It was sold thru Fisher-Price beginning in 1987 and was developed by Andrew Bergman. I bought one of these cameras in 1988 for my young daughter to play with and shoot videos like her Dad. As it turned out, we didn't shoot as many videos as expected and it more or less was a relic by 1990. However, I did save the cassettes & they have been transferred to DVD in 2009. I have edited the footage down to 10 minutes for YouTube. Here is some of the home video footage shot & a rare look at this unique system. Taped: March 2009
Ray Visits Kerry in Florida KKD1247 2009-10-31 | Every few years my friend from Ohio, Ray Glasser (also known as VideoholicReturns on YouTube) visits me in my home in Florida. We spend a few days catching up on things as well as going around town and seeing the sights. Ray will be uploading his HD footage of our outings on his channel. Here, we go over the events and the itinerary and look back at his visit. Recorded: October 30, 2009
Two Barking Dogs KKD1247 2009-10-12 | Here is a response to a video I posted last year. When I posted "Unboxing My iMac" last year, I thought most of the responses would be about the iMac itself. Oh no! Instead, nearly half of them were about the two barking dogs that greeted the mail man who delivered my package. And the responses were hateful against the dogs! So, for all you loved or hated my barking dogs - here's a video of their own! Watch 2 minutes of nothing but Dim Sung (the main offender) and Sushi barking at the garbage truck as it goes by. These two Yorkies are always on guard! Recorded: October 12, 2009
Kerry Decker TV Show - Wacky Wacky World (1985) KKD1247 2009-09-06 | Here is another (recently discovered) NightLife Show from my cable series that ran during the 1980s. It featured a comedy group from Shaker Heights, OH who followed in the same vein as SCTV and SNL. Viewers of NightLife were asked to send in tapes of their productions to show on my weekly cablecast. (This was the days before YouTube.) These guys took me up on my offer. Therefore, I hope you'll enjoy their early efforts. Air Date: December 13, 1985
Olympus VHS Camcorder Review (1985) KKD1247 2009-09-05 | Here is another (recently discovered) NightLife Show from my cable series that ran during the 1980s. It was taped at Frank's Photo in Orlando, FL and featured the then-amazing one piece DX-402 VHS camcorder made by Olympus Camera. I'll take you through all the features of this pioneering camcorder. This 24 year old video is in excellant condition and made from its original 3/4" U-Matic Master. Enjoy this electronic review from nearly a quarter century ago! Air Date: December 6, 1985
Night Launch of Shuttle Captured with Nikon D-90 Video KKD1247 2009-08-31 | Once again I travel out to the Space Coast to record a night launch of the shuttle Discovery, STS-128. This is one of the final night launches and I wanted to record it in a special way. Rather than using a traditional video camera, I decided to use a Nikon D-90 digital still camera and record the event in the Movie Mode. Before the night launch takes place, I demonstrate how to set-up the Nikon in order to record video. I also go over how to shoot video on a simpler Point & Camera. Armed with this information, I leave for Cape Canaveral to record the Midnight Launch. The flight of Discovery, STS-128, is the 30th mission to the International Space Station. It's the 37th flight for Discovery, with only six shuttle missions remaining. Crew members will install new gear and take three space walks. The mission lasts thirteen days. The Nikon D-90 DSLR camera is ready to go and you'll see the results from the Space Coast of Florida! Taped: August 28, 2009
Kerry Decker TV Show - Mardi Gras (1987) KKD1247 2009-08-19 | Recently I across several more 3/4" U-Matic videotapes of my old NightLife Show which ran on cable TV in the 1980s. In this episode, I visited the Mardi Gras, in Louisiana. This is a celebration (much like Carnival is in other parts of the world) that lasts 3 or more days usually ending just before Ash Wednesday. I was invited to attend the King du Monde's Coronation in LaPlace, LA and I took my portable Beta video equipment along to record the event and edit it into a NightLife Show. You'll see the Grande Ball the night before as well as the parade the day after. (Sorry, no young ladies flashing the camera while party-goers were throwing beads.) It was fun to visit this celebration & enjoy the day. This program was made during my series final year. I see that I had grown a beard & was at my heaviest. Ouch! The opening title sequence was different than previous years as well. I hope you enjoy this visit long before the days of Hurricane Katrina. Air Date: April 3, 1987
Kerry Decker TV Show - Dorfan Trains (1987) KKD1247 2009-08-15 | Recently I across several more 3/4" U-Matic videotapes of my old NightLife Show which ran on cable TV in the 1980s. This episode is about electric toy trains made by Dorfan. Kerry, along with photographer Rick Zimmer, show a promo film made by Dorfan Trains. They were a family owned toy company that produced these trains from 1924-1934. They were promoted as educational as they were easy to disassemble. Customers were encouraged to take them apart to see how worked. Dorfan, in their prime, employed 150 people but were unable to survive the Depression. This program was made during my series final year. I see that I had grown a beard & was at my heaviest. Ouch! The opening title sequence was different than previous years as well. I hope you enjoy these old toy trains. Air Date: March 27, 1987
Kerry Decker TV Show - Electric Trains (1987) KKD1247 2009-08-14 | Recently I came across several more 3/4" U-Matic videotapes of my old NightLife Show which ran on cable TV during the 1980s. This episode is about electric toy trains made by Lionel. Kerry, along with photographer Rick Zimmer, show a 1962 promo film made by Lionel. As interest in toy trains may have been fading in the 1960s, Lionel brought out a series of trains that were more up to date by adding rockets & launchers from the Space Race. This program was made during my series final year. I see that I had grown a beard & was at my heaviest. Ouch! The opening title sequence was different than previous years as well. I hope you enjoy these old toy trains. Air Date: March 27, 1987
Cement Mixer / Slim Gaillard KKD1247 2009-08-09 | FIRST - This is my 200th upload to YouTube! Thanks to all who have stuck with me over the past few years. It's been fun to share my collection of videos with you. SECOND - Here is a rare kinescope of a talented musician named "Slim" Gaillard. He performs several songs, both on piano & guitar, including his hit, "Cement Mixer" (Put-Ti-Put-Ti) "Slim" Gaillard (1916-1991) was an American jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, and guitarist, noted for his vocalese singing and word play in a language he called "Vout". He first rose to prominence in the late 1930s as part of Slim & Slam, a jazz novelty act he formed with bassist Slam Stewart. Their hits included "Flat Foot Floogie (with a Floy Floy)", "Cement Mixer (Puti Puti)" and the hipster anthem, "The Groove Juice Special (Opera in Vout)". The duo performed in the 1941 movie Hellzapoppin'. In the late forties and early fifties, Gaillard frequently opened at Birdland for such greats as Charlie Parker, Flip Phillips, and Coleman Hawkins. Gaillard could play several instruments, and always managed to turn the performance from hip jazz to comedy: he would play the guitar with his left hand fretting from the top of the neck, or would play credible piano solos with his palms facing up, both of which you'll see in this clip. I hope you enjoy my 200th presentation!
Spanky for Speed-O (1930s) KKD1247 2009-08-04 | Here is a very short promo film I came across in my collection. It features child actor Spanky McFarland (of Little Rascals fame) promoting Speed-O bicycles in the1930s. This is a short film made for theaters that cross-promoted their bicycle. When you watch this, I hope you'll notice two things. First, Spanky seems seems totally disinterested in the bike and in this promotion. You can tell he is being coached and after holding up a brochure for Speed-O, he throws it on the ground. Second, there is no production value in this clip. It looks like it was made all in one take with no editing. Spanky's antics and his lack of interest would have been less apparent with even a small amount of careful editing. Oh well, it's a short and sweet look at a rare clip.
Shuttle Flyover at Night (STS-127) KKD1247 2009-07-28 | Here is a short video I made as the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the International Space Station flew over Central Florida on the evening of July 27, 2009. It would only be visible for less than a minute and fly from the Northwest to Southeast. You must look closely as it is a small spot in the sky and looked like a jetliner way way up in the air. By the way, rather than using a conventional video camera, I shot this with a Canon G-9 still camera in the Video Mode. The white dot in the center of the picture is the shuttle - it was the brightest "star" in the sky. With so few launches left, this was a rare event and a treat to watch. Taped: July 27, 2009
My Old V-M Phonograph & a 78rpm Record KKD1247 2009-07-27 | Here is my video showing my old V-M phonograph from the early 1950s. My parents bought this for me when I was a little kid and I listened to it daily for years. You'll also see (and hear) an old "Little Wonder" record from 1908: "The Arkansas Traveler". Here's the back story: V-M was founded in June 1944 by Walter Miller in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The company originally manufactured only 78 rpm record changers and labeled them simply as a "V-M Product". The brand name "Voice of Music" was suggested by a V-M engineer and first used in 1952. After 1965, the trend became clear that American audio companies were going out of business or shifting production overseas. As V-M's record changer volumes declined, it became difficult for the company to remain profitable. Retailing began to change from small "mom and pop" stores (V-M's strength) to large electronics retailers where V-M was under-represented. The end came in July, 1977 when a power failure in New York prevented a wire transfer of critically needed funds, and the company declared bankruptcy. Little Wonder Records was a United States record label from 1914 through 1923. Little Wonders were lateral-cut single sided 5½ inch gramophone records. The records contained only about 1½ to 2 minutes of music. The small size of the discs (together with the cherubic face on later versions of the label) has led some record collectors to incorrectly assume that Little Wonders were made as children's records; they were actually made for the general audience looking for low-priced recordings. The records retailed for ten cents each, some of the lowest priced recordings available at the time. This price point revolutionized popular recorded music, making it possible for everyday people to purchase and listen to music other than live performances. The audio fidelity is average to slightly above average for the time, with rather narrow grooves (best played with a smaller stylus than contemporary discs). Millions and millions of these records were sold, principally through many 5 & 10 cent department store chains of the time and through Sears & Roebuck catalogs. I am not a big collector of audio equipment but I thought you would enjoy seeing these items of mine from decades ago! Taped: July 26, 2009
A Special Announcement KKD1247 2009-07-26 | This is a special video to announce that I am starting up a second channel: KKD1247a. It will not replace this channel but will be on stand-by in case some serious technical malfunction should happen to this channel. Recorded: July 24, 2009
The Wittnauer Cine-Twin Camera KKD1247 2009-07-25 | Here is a look at another special movie camera from the past: the Wittnauer Cine-Twin. This is a movie camera from 1959 that was both a camera AND a projector! Join Kerry as he shows you in detail what made this camera extra special. You'll see the inner workings of this twin model that was sold only in upscale jewelry stores. Recorded: July 24, 2009
The Inauguration of William McKinley (1897) KKD1247 2009-07-24 | Recently I posted early movies of the Inauguration of President Calvin Coolidge from 1925. Then I wondered, what were the FIRST movies ever shot of an American Inauguration? I found the answer by looking it up in the National Archives: it was President William McKinley on March 4, 1897. With less than 2 minutes of film footage, here is that historic event from over 110 years ago! William McKinley, Jr. (January 29, 1843 September 14, 1901) was the 25th President of the United States, and the last veteran of the American Civil War to be elected. By the 1880s, McKinley was a national Republican leader; his signature issue was high tariffs on imports as a formula for prosperity, as typified by his McKinley Tariff of 1890. As the Republican candidate in the 1896 presidential election, he upheld the gold standard, and promoted pluralism among ethnic groups. His campaign introduced new advertising-style campaign techniques that revolutionized campaign practices and beat back the crusading of his arch-rival, William Jennings Bryan. The 1896 election is often considered a realigning election that marked the beginning of the Progressive Era. President and Mrs. McKinley attended the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He delivered a speech about his positions on tariffs and foreign trade on September 5, 1901. On the second day, McKinley was at the Temple of Music, greeting the public. Leon Frank Czolgosz waited in line with a pistol in his right hand concealed by a handkerchief. At 4:07 P.M. Czolgosz fired twice at the president. The first bullet grazed the president's shoulder. The second, however, went through McKinley's stomach, pancreas, and kidney, and finally lodged in the muscles of his back. McKinley's doctors believed he would recover, and the President convalesced for more than a week in Buffalo at the home of the exposition's director. On the morning of September 12, he felt strong enough to receive his first food orally since the shooting—toast and a small cup of coffee. However, by afternoon he began to experience discomfort and his condition rapidly worsened. McKinley began to go into shock. At 2:15 A.M. on September 14, 1901, eight days after he was shot, he died from gangrene surrounding his wounds. He was 58. His last words were "It is God's way; His will be done, not ours." Recorded: March 4, 1897
Kerry Decker TV Show - First Sound Movies KKD1247 2009-07-20 | Reposted is my "NightLife Show" which ran on local cable TV in FL from 1980-1986. This condensed episode features the dawn of sound movies. Shown is "The Voice from the Screen" (1926) showing how the Vitaphone system worked. Then, a promo trailer for "The Jazz Singer" (1927) which is considered to be the 1st talking movie. NOTE: I recently added the full-length version of the Hawaiian song by Witt & Berg as seen in this show. Look towards more recent entries of mine. Original Views: 9,184 Original Air Date: May 14, 1982.
You Bet Your Life (Pilot - 1949) KKD1247 2009-07-20 | Reposted is another rarity from my archives. You Bet Your Life was an American radio and television quiz show. The first and most famous version was hosted by Groucho Marx, of Marx Brothers fame, with the unflappable announcer and assistant George Fenneman. The show debuted on radio in 1947, then made the transition to TV. The television version was changed very little from the radio version. It was filmed before a studio audience, then slightly edited for television broadcast. In 1960 it was renamed The Groucho Show and ran another year. This pilot was made for CBS. You can see stagehands adjusting the microphones during the broadcast. Groucho himself doesn't bother to dress up for his debut! Previous Views: 25, 985 Recorded: December 5, 1949
Witt and Berg Hawaiian Song (1926) KKD1247 2009-07-20 | I have re-posted the ever-popular Witt & Berg Hawaiian song that was a Vitaphone short from 1926. After a number of email requests, I found the Vitaphone short that was featured in my NightLife Show about the History of Sound Movies. Its a combination of "My Honolulu Hula Girl", by Sonny Cunha, and "Hello, Aloha (How Are You?)", by Abel Baer and L. Wolfe Gilbert, sung by the vaudeville duo of Witt & Berg. Enjoy! Original Views: 8,560 Released: October 27, 1926
Mabel & Fatty - A REMIX (1915) KKD1247 2009-07-17 | I have re-edited the 1915 film, "Mabel & Fatty Viewing the World's Fair in San Francisco". I eliminated the comedy portions and have focused on the historical content. I have also inserted updated titles with historical information. The Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) was a world's fair held in San Francisco, California between February 20 and December 4, 1915. Its ostensible purpose was to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal, but it was widely seen in the city as an opportunity to showcase its recovery from the 1906 earthquake. The fair was constructed on a 635 acre (2.6 km²) site in San Francisco, along the northern shore now known as the Marina. The centerpiece was the Tower of Jewels, which rose to 435 feet and was covered with over 100,000 cut glass Novagems. The 3/4 to 2 inch colored "gems" sparkled in sunlight throughout the day and were illuminated by over 50 powerful electrical searchlights at night. At the opposite end of the Fair, near Fort Mason (then an active Naval station, now a center for non-profit organizations) was The Zone, an avenue of popular amusements and concessions stands. Constructed from temporary materials (primarily "staff", a combination of plaster and burlap fiber), almost all the fair's various buildings and attractions were pulled down in late 1915. Intended to fall into pieces at the close of the fair (reportedly because the architect believed every great city needed ruins), the only surviving building, Bernard Maybeck's Palace of Fine Arts, remained in place, slowly falling into disrepair (although the hall used to display painting and sculpture during the Fair was repurposed as a garage for jeeps during World War II). The Palace, including the colonnade with its signature weeping women and rotunda dome, was completely reconstructed in the 1960s and is currently occupied by the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum. Original Release: April 22, 1915 KD Remix: July 17, 2009
Two for the Money w/ Ed McMahon (1957) KKD1247 2009-06-28 | The last week of June 2009 was a sad one for the entertainment industry. In one week, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon all passed away....even pitchman Billy Mays! We will deal with Ed McMahon in this episode. Coming from Philadelphia, PA, Ed makes his 1957 network TV debut on a game show, "Two for the Money" starring the affable Sam Levinson (1911-1980). Humorous hosts were the craze and shows were looking for personalities like Groucho Marx, who could tell long tales and engage their guests. Sam Levinson filled the bill. This show ran from 1952 to 1957 with Will Shriner as host. Sam Levinson became host in the final year. Replacing announcer Dennis James was a new face from Philadelphia - Ed McMahon. Just over a dozen of these shows exist, including this one. I've edited it to under 10 mins for YouTube viewers. I hope you enjoy this rare specialty. Air Date: March 23, 1957
The Digital Transition KKD1247 2009-06-16 | A major event in the world of broadcasting happened on Friday, June 12, 2009. This is when all television stations in the US ceased their over-the-air analog transmissions. I wanted to capture this moment as all the stations I grew up with as a child were soon to be gone. However, it wasn't to be as easy as I thought! Using some original 25 year old equipment, I had my hands full. Enjoy with me, the final historic day that television was broadcast as an analog signal. Taped: June 12, 2009
Kerry Decker TV Show: Laser Discs & CDs (1985) KKD1247 2009-06-14 | Reposted are more highlights from my "NightLife Show" which ran on local cable TV in FL from 1980-1986. This condensed episode features a look at the beginnings of audio compact discs and video laser discs (which later evolved into DVDs). Kerry explains the process behind audio CDs and then Ray Glasser in Cleveland, OH shows the technology behind the original video laser discs. This 1985 program also shows the Magnavox laser disc player. At the time, this was all-new technology that would take over analog records and video tapes. Previous Views: 12,097 Air Date: January 18, 1985.
Roseland Park, Canandaigua, NY (1970) KKD1247 2009-06-14 | Fun and frolic are words that described the atmosphere at this location of wonderment, an early amusement park that was started in 1925 on the lake front in Canandaigua, New York. For sixty years this modest lakeside enterprise catered to the tastes of middle class Americans. Its early offerings included a dance hall and a few rides. As the years passed, free circus style attractions were added. By the time it ceased operations in 1985, this regional attraction offered miniature golf, boat rides, bingo, a tram and numerous amusement rides including bumper cars and a wooden roller coaster. Young and old alike flocked to Canandaigua each summer to enjoy Roseland Park. When I lived in nearby Rochester, I often visited Roseland as I loved the wooden roller coaster. Shot with a Bolex 16mm camera, here is a group of us enjoying the day at Roseland. I remember it as a fun place to be and was sorry to hear that it closed. NOTE: I need to go back to my original 16mm film & recopy this. Somewhere down the line, the file was downsized too much & this video has too many artifacts. Original Views: 10,612 Filmed: July 1970
Home Movie Test with Sound (1963) KKD1247 2009-06-11 | Back in the days before digital videos and computers, special effects in home movies were difficult to do. I always wanted sound with my films but until the 1970s when Kodak brought out their Ektasound system, it was nearly out of the question. In December 1963, along with my buddy Alan, we shot a short piece of 8mm film with a reel-to-reel tape recorder running for the sound track. It wasn't until 1974 that I was able to truly sync them. Here is that film. Production Note: This video is from a 1980s B&W Betamax transfer. I still have the original color film and I hope to transfer it and upload it soon. Original Views: 1,895 December 1963 (w/1974 intro)
Wedding Video Demo KKD1247 2009-06-08 | I have photographed weddings & parties for over 25 years. I still love to do them. Videos too! This is a short demo of a couple of my Wedding Videos. If you'd like me to photograph or tape your wedding or party in Central Florida, please get in touch. Or visit my website: www.kerrydecker.com Previous Views: 616
Kerrys Kitchen: Insideout Hamburger KKD1247 2009-06-07 | Here is a reload of the third in a series of specials for people who would like to use a simple recipe and impress others. Kerry makes a special type of hamburger where the ingredients are all on the inside! Follow my humor and easy style to make a really impressive hamburger! "Kerry's Kitchen" has been seen on Brighthouse Cable TV in Central Florida on Ch 300 and in Rochester, NY on Ch 111. Original Views: 3,026 Taped: September 18, 2007
Tammy Faye: Mercy Rewrote My Life KKD1247 2009-06-07 | With the passing of evangelist Tammy Faye (Bakker) Messner in July 2007, I looked into my video archives to see what I had. I found only one video of Tammy Faye's 40th birthday program on PTL in 1982. From this program, I selected a clip near the end of the program where Tammy sings a tearful rendition of "Mercy Rewrote My Life". NOTE: Please watch my visit to Heritage USA - After the Fall, in my more recents posts of May 2008. Original Views: 20,462 Air Date: April 6, 1982
America the Beautiful (1967) KKD1247 2009-06-06 | Reposted is a film of mine that was buried deep in my collection and nearly forgotten! It was labeled "Project 27B" and was a film made for a class while a Sophomore at RIT in Rochester, NY. "Earth Day" was 3 years away and environmental issues were in their early years. The late Stephen Ensminger helped me with this project. Also of note, this was probably my last Standard 8mm production as Kodak released the newer Super8 film in 1965. The theme of this film was simple. It begins with colorful scenes of a beautiful America (shot mostly around the Univ of Rochester) and concludes with scenes shot in abandoned areas of the city - filmed in black & white. Now, nearly 40 years after it was filmed, I was surprised at the impact it still made on me. Although I made several minor edits to it, I am still proud of the result. Original Views: 687 Filmed: Fall 1967
The Landmarks of Poughkeepsie & Patriotic Parade (1963) KKD1247 2009-06-06 | Here are two films of mine from the early 1960s: "LANDMARKS OF POUGHKEEPSIE" - With a new YouTube introduction, here is an 8mm movie I made for a 7th grade civics class. It presented many of the historical sites of my hometown in New York State. I shot the movie and my friend, the late Chuck Dorfman, wrote the narration. Back then, it was so unusual to produce a movie rather than write a paper, the local Poughkeepsie Journal newspaper wrote an article about it along with a photo. I hope to find the audio tape of the soundtrack but in the meantime, here is the film along with some updated music. Filmed: Fall 1960 THE RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION PARADE - Here is an 8mm home movie of mine from Poughkeepsie celebrating New York's ratification of the US Constitution. The event was held once every 25 years with a large parade down Main Street. You'll see me pass by playing the drum with the Poughkeepsie High School Band. Later, I arrive home. I played in many parades over the years but this is the only one that was shot with a movie camera. Original Views: 7,126 Filmed: Fall 1963
The 1980 Florida Folk Festival KKD1247 2009-06-05 | Here is a another tape from my Betamax archive. In 1980, I visited the Florida Folk Festival in White Springs, Florida. White Springs is located 14 miles north of Lake City and is named for the springs located on the upper Suwannee River that are the result of water bubbling up through sulfur deposits. White Springs hosts the oldest state folk festival in America, the Florida Folk Festival, usually held on Memorial Day Weekend. Its tranquil rural setting, gentle streams and bubbling springs is a perfect backdrop for outdoor and cultural activities. The first group you hear is The Green Grass Revival. The members are: Dennis Wallace (far right) on guitar, Sandra Jemison on stand up bass, Elan Chalford on fiddle, Pete Gallagher on guitar, Wes Lassiter (from back)on banjo. You'll hear all the acoustic music played on authentic instruments like: guitars, banjos, the zither, harps, the dulcimer and the bass fiddle. It's true American music played from the heartland of Florida. Original Upload: 1,629 Views Recorded: May 24, 1980
Unboxing My Nikon D-90 Camera KKD1247 2009-05-17 | Photography has been my lifelong passion. With digital photography, there's always new & exciting equipment that's introduced. Such is the case with Nikon's latest digital reflex still camera: the D-90. Here is my latest popular "Unboxing" video from the day I received this camera. The Nikon D-90 is a pro camera with 12.3MP sensor and a 18 - 105mm zoom lens. As I unbox it, I give some tips & hints regarding this camera. This camera is also one of a few of it's type that can shoot video as well as stills. You'll see a short video from this camera that I shot. I hope all the photographers out there - as well as everyone else - enjoys my look at this fine camera. Taped: May 15, 2009
My 2nd Anniversary on YouTube KKD1247 2009-04-03 | It is hard for me to believe it, but another year has flown by and it's now time for my Second Anniversary video on YouTube. I again look back at my most popular videos as well as previewing some of the videos that I hope to upload soon. I want to thank my Subscribers over the years as well as all of those who have taken 10 minutes out their lives to see what I've been up to. I am still amazed at the number of viewers from not only across the Untied States but from all over the world. Thanks to all again & I hope to put up more of your favorites in the coming year. Taped: March 2009
Franks Photo in Orlando, Florida KKD1247 2009-03-28 | This is a history about one of more popular camera stores in Orlando, Florida from the 1950's to the 1980's: Frank's Photo Supply. PART ONE: This is a copy from a short length of 16mm film shot in the middle 1950s. It begins with an image of Dick Heims, who was the original owner & manager of the camera store. We see several views inside the store with some customers. PART TWO: Mr Heims sold the store in the early 1970s & my family purchased it and renamed it Frank's Photo Supply, after my father. Here we see a series of cable TV commercials that were made for the Christmas Season of 1980. This is a copy off the original 3/4" U-Matic videotape. You'll see the 2 original commercials plus some bloopers & out takes. PART THREE: Present day. I shot some video of the exterior of the store as it looks today. We sold the family photo business in 1989 after nearly 20 successful years. This video compilation represents a look at the business over a 50 year span - from film to tape. Produced: March 27, 2009
