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RIP Casey Kasem

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image source: wikipedia.com

US radio personality Casey Kasem, has died at the age of 82.
“Early this Father’s Day morning, our dad Casey Kasem passed away surrounded by family and friends,” his daughter, Kerri Kasem, said in a statement posted online.
“Even though we know he is in a better place and no longer suffering, we are heartbroken.”
Depending on what generation you grew up in, you either know Casey for American Top 40 franchise which he founded in 1970, or for providing the voice of Norville “Shaggy” Rogers in the Scooby Doo franchise from 1969 to 1997, and again from 2002 until 2009. He was a legend in both.
For me, even though living in Australia, I remember listening to the American top 40 every week. Casey had a distinct and very likeable voice.
Do you remember Casey Kasem as the voice of Shaggy, or perhaps as host of the American Top 40? Have your say and leave a comment below.

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Best Horror Movies of the 80s

Some of the best (read: cult) horror movies I think were released in the 1980s. Of course everyone has their own opinions but I think if I sat in a room full of 20 people, we will agree on the majority of selections below. Without further ado, let’s begin (in no particular order):

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

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There were 2 things that attributed to the huge success of this movie, one being the theme of nightmares becoming real life (and who hasn’t had a bad nightmare before), and the other being the famous villain/monster Freddy Krueger withe his ‘Finger Knives’.
There were 6 Elm Street movies in the 80s, with another 4 released in the following 20 years to complete the franchise. The last one was in 2010.
Who can forget the immortal words “Freddy’s back!”

Friday the 13th (1980)

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This was a scary movie for you people who have been to summer or school camp, with the main theme revolving around the camp Crystal Lake horrors and all the killings/disappearances. I had to look it up myself but was actually quite surprised that there were another 12 installments of the Friday the 13th franchise. I think I have some catching up to do, as I’m sure I’ve only watched half of them.

The Shining (1980)

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This film was based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name but there are some differences. The film revolves around the guy who takes on a job as a caretaker at an isolated hotel called the overlook hotel.
The man’s son has psychic abilities and that’s when things become all supernatural, with the man going mad and attempting to murder his wife and son.
There are many great scenes in this movie, easily achieving cult status and have been mimicked in other movies and spoofs.
Once scene as when Danny is riding the tricycle throughout the hotel and you’re just waiting to some it happen. Waiting….

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The film was voted one of the top 11 scary is movies of all time.

Children of the Corn (1984)

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As you can see, 1984 was a good year for horror films. Here is another based on a Stephen King book and I must admit a bit of a weird plot but it works.
It is a story of children killing their parents to secure the harvest of corn. It’s a bit more than that but in essence that your story.

The Evil dead (1981)

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Not one of my favourites but it makes my list due to the cult status and popularity of the movie. It is your cliche movie where college students are on vacation in a cabin in an isolated area. Enter demons spirits, and let blood and guts reign supreme.
I think the cult status derives from the low-budget that the movie had and how they made the most of a good storyline, not to mention a few killings along the way.
There were 2 sequels as well as video games and comics released.

The above are my picks, but I think there are some honourable mentions such as:
The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
The Thing (1982)
Aliens (1986)
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Halloween II (1981)

What are your favorite horror movies of the 80s? Do you agree with my list?

images source: Wikipedia

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Busker joined by a passing Bronski Beat – Wow!

How great is this? A busker was performing in Berlin the Bronski Beat smash hit song Smalltown Boy.

Next minute the band’s former lead singer, Jimmy Somerville, just happened to be walking past with his dog and joined in with the busker.

Luckily it was caught on camera!

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To refresh your memory, here is the original from 1984:

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Sydney Monorail closing down

After nearly 25 years of operation, which started off amid much controversy because of it’s eyesore, the Sydney Monorail makes it’s last journey this weekend.

The monorail’s first voyage was back on July 21, 1988, and was the free to ride for the first two week’s of operation. The first day was not without drama – hundreds of protesters swarmed the Sydney Town Hall and Queen Victoria Building demanding its removal.

Some trivia about the Sydney Monorail System:

In 1985 when the project was approved, 12 millions visitors a year are forecast. 25 years later it is actually around 4 million.
Operating speed of the trains – 33kph (20mph)
1995 – The monorail starred beside the heroes in the Mighty Morphan Power Rangers movie.
2010 – In February, a train crashes into a stationary train at the darling park station
Fare Price – in 1996 it was $3 for a single ride, in 2013 it is $5
Where is the monorail going? It has been rumoured to have been bought by the Tasmanian government to link Hobart’s waterfront to the CBD

Below are some photos taken earlier this month. Unfortunately the day chosen was not ideal – there was much rain.
Sydney Monorail closing

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