Allen Swift (1924-2010)

The sad news broke recently that the amazing Allen Swift passed away last week at the age of 86.

He was born as Ira Stadlen, and later changed his name to Allen Swift for show business. His talents were as numerous as his credits. For me, it was his work as a voice actor in cartoons and myriad commercials that cemented his legacy.

Some of his work included Leonardo / Total Television productions, voicing many characters in the King Leonardo, Tooter Turtle and Underdog cartoons. Simon Bar Sinister set a high mark for cartoon villains in the 1960s.

Especially near to my heart was his voice work in the many Hostess commercials of the 1970s, as he audibly brought to life both Twinkie the Kid and Captain Cupcake. Those animated snack cakes, often performing heroic feats to provide treats to kids everywhere, still  live on in the memories of so many kids of the 1970s and 1980s.

Listen to the voice of Simon Bar Sinister in this Underdog clip (posted on YouTube by ReturnofLatinPupE), and compare it to the voice of Captain Cupcake in the Hostess commercial below (posted by rubberducky7171).

Rest In Peace. (NY Times obituary)

Happy Easter!

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter today!

Here's a fun bag of Pixy Stix Green Grass from the folks at Wonka. Fresh off the shelf and ready to be consumed. The Oompa Loompas are dressed as rabbits and appear to be eating into the company's profits.

Fruit Of The Month - #1: Weight Watchers Fruit Snacks

Today I'm starting a new segment on the blog called Fruit Of The Month. At or around the beginning of each month, I'll showcase a fruit related advertising mascot or item.

Please try to contain your excitement. :-)

For the inaugural Fruit Of The Month segment for April 2010 is this delightful ad from back in April 1977. These lovable apple, peach and strawberry mascots were used on packages of Weight Watchers Fruit Snacks. What a treat!

Someone missed out on saving 15 cents on their next purchase.

Stay tuned for the next exciting Fruit Of The Month feature in May!

blog make-over

I'm enjoying the new "Blogger in draft" templates, which are highly customizable. I've re-designed the blog including a new header. There may be some more changes coming up, but this is what I like so far.

:-)