OUR MUSINGS

Images from carnival fun houses
Strange Trails

Through the Spinning Barrel: The Wild History of Walk-Through Funhouses at Traveling Carnivals

Before thrill rides went vertical and virtual, there was the funhouse—that chaotic, colorful labyrinth where clowns cackled, mirrors warped reality, and the floor itself couldn’t be trusted.

So buckle your safety belt (just kidding—funhouses didn’t have those), and let’s tumble down a trapdoor of carnival history with a deep dive into the wild, wobbly world of portable funhouses.

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Banner image of Marvel comic books
Comics

Are Comic Books Dead? Or Just Evolving Into Something Weirder, Wiser, and Way More Digital?

Remember when comic books flew off the shelves and every kid had a stack under their bed? Flash forward to today, and the big question is: Are comic books dead? Let’s crack this open like a mint-condition issue and look at why the comic book industry is struggling, who’s surviving (even thriving), and what the future might hold for this colorful, complex medium.

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Banner image with posters from William Grefe's movies
At The Movies

Swamps, Sharks, and Shatner: The Exploitation Cinema Legacy of William Grefé

If there were ever a king of Florida-based, low-budget cinema with a knack for killer snakes, jellyfish men, and telepathic shark whisperers, that crown belongs to William Grefé.

Let’s dive deep into the wonderfully wild filmography, outrageous behind-the-scenes stories, and creature-feature charm that define William Grefé’s unforgettable contribution to cinema.

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At The Movies

When Pizza Came With a Plot Twist: Papa John’s DVD Giveaway (2004–2005)

Once upon a pizza time—in the golden age of physical media—Papa John’s dropped a marketing bombshell: free DVDs with your pizza order. Yep, between 2004 and 2005, customers could have hot, cheesy goodness delivered to their door along with a Hollywood movie. It was cozy, collectible, and kind of brilliant.

Let’s rewind to one of the most underrated movie nights of the 2000s.

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Posters of K Gordon Murray's movies
At The Movies

K. Gordon Murray: The King of Dubbed Cult Cinema

K. Gordon Murray was a trailblazer in the world of American film distribution, renowned for his quirky approach to dubbing Mexican films for English-speaking audiences. Though not widely known by mainstream audiences, Murray holds a cherished place among cult film enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the fascinating history of K. Gordon Murray’s recording studio, his influence, and why his films have an enduring cult following.

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Images of Milk Duds candy packaging and ads
At The Movies

Milk Duds: The Unsung Hero of Movie Theater Candy

You’re sitting in a darkened theater, the previews are rolling, and the scent of popcorn is in the air. What’s the candy nestled in your hand? For many moviegoers, that answer has been the same for generations: Milk Duds.

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At The Movies

Classic Sci-Fi & Horror Movies Perfect for Cozy Winter Nights

When the snow piles up and the nights turn frigid, there’s nothing better than settling in for a marathon of classic sci-fi and horror movies set against chilly backdrops, or you can heat things up by watching other classics set in tropical and sunny locations.

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