Self Help, Kittens, Haircuts
a box full of sun-baked tapes forgotten to time
This week, I have for you another Classic™, disorganized media post! Lately, I’ve been able to pick up a few pieces of shorter content to feature here on the blog, but unfortunately, these tapes seem to deteriorate faster than their longer versions. Whether the reason is that most of these shorter length tapes seem to be very often recorded in LP format, or that the extra lengths of tape on full length cassettes helps protect the media from becoming oxidized, many of the tapes here have tracking and/or audio issues.
To me, though, I can’t help but to feel like this is part of the charm. Very rarely do I come across a tape that is just completely unplayable, and yet I am constantly cleaning my equipment or switching VCRs or trying new cables in order to make sure that even the dustiest tapes come across as clear as possible.
The fuzzy and jittery picture of a tape that is not quite so new anymore has an appealing aesthetic to the way it comes across on screen, and I never mind too much when tapes play like maybe they were someone’s favorite thing to watch for a long period of time.
Long-time readers will notice I recently changed my desk setup after a couple years without making any major changes. While the vision I have for my desk isn’t fully realized yet, this setup has been so much more functional and less cluttered than my previous iterations, and has made digitizing and video editing much, much easier and comfortable for me.
All the tapes in this article (and more) came from a private sale, and the owner was upfront with me, that they had been sitting in a barn for over 10 years. It’s really a miracle that any of them play at all, but then again, VHS tapes were always manufactured with durability in mind. Over a decade in the elements, and these were still enjoyable to watch. Let’s get right into the tapes!
Self Help… Not Just for Adults Anymore!
But also, still for adults.
Dance! Workout With Barbie
1991 | Runtime 30 Minutes
Great dance steps! Great workout! Great fun -- with Barbie!
Barbie is now the star of a brand-new video! Barbie leads nine girls in over a dozen hot new dance workout routines, fun steps like The Barbie Basic, Hot Foot, Sidewalk Strut, Jammin' Jogger, Broadway Barbie... and more! Every girl will love dancing with Barbie's newest and most exciting video ever... DANCE! WORKOUT WITH BARBIE! PLEASE NOTE: It is always advisable before beginning any exercise program to consult a physician.
Depression: The Road to Recovery
1995 | Runtime 10 Minutes
Knowledge is powerful medicine
As a source of education and encouragement, this video offers an in-depth look at depression - its causes and who it affects - and explains how you can get the best out of the course of treatment that your doctor has prescribed for you.
As you begin treatment, several questions may come to mind. Like, how long will I have to take my medication? Can I take any other medications at the same time? And what about side effects?
Depression: The Road to Recovery provides the answers to these important questions in a way that's easy to follow and understand.
Your doctor has given you this video to help you learn about depression and the many forms of available treatment. These are the first steps on your own road to recovery.
NOTE: Please do not attempt to use this old, dusty video as a crisis resource. If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by certified crisis response professionals.
You can find help in locating a mental health professional by consulting with your health care provider, Employee Assistance Program, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), or the National Mental Health Information Center.
Television for Cats
And cats on television for humans.
Cat TV: The Video Program for Your Feline to Watch!
1995 | Runtime 30 Minutes
CAT TV is a MUST for your tabby and family!
Is your kitty bored? Does your cat wander about looking for something to do? Then you won't believe your eyes, cats love CAT TV! But watch out, because they will get frisky. So clean off the TV and warm up the VCR, let your cat have a great time watching and pawing CAT TV!
Your kitty will enjoy: squirrels at play, mice dashing about, fluttering wild birds, darting fish, watching birds, and authentic outdoor sounds!
But your cat won't be the only fan of CAT TV. The whole family will get a kick out of watching your kitty react to the sights and sounds of this cat loving video.
Kitty's Cute and Cuddly Critters
1998 | Runtime 22 Minutes
The mysterious Cougar! Share the wonder and amazement of the children of Camp Wilderness as they see a cougar, very close and very alive. Join them in learning about the cougar in its wilderness home as John Byner tells the fascinating story. Do Cougar cubs like to play? Do Cougars have enemies? What do cougars do I in the winter?
The entire family will appreciate this magnificent animal's important
place in nature. You'll be thrilled with the beautiful photography and enchanted with the music. You'll want to own all the programs in Mother Nature's World of Wildlife Video series for a lifetime of learning and enjoyment.
Celebrated television and film actor/comedian John Byner was featured in his own CBS show - The John Bynes Comedy Hour and subsequently in his own ABC TV series- McNamara's Band. He has also starred in the successful series "SOAP as well as numerous motion pictures In the 1980s, John Byner starred in the first regularly scheduled TV series for cables - "BIZARRE which ran for six years on the Showtime Cable Network and is now syndicated throughout the world.
Bowl Cut
How to ruin your handsome looks in 5 minutes or less!
Oster Hair Grooming Video
1994 | Runtime 14 Minutes
A step-by-step video guide to professional looking haircuts at home!
Learn to trim hair in the convenience of your own home with the Oster Hair Grooming Video. You'll learn the simple, basic techniques for:
The Classic Cut: The standard haircut for boys and teenagers
The Fade: Today's sleek look, accented with parts or lines
The Bob: Versatile, easy-to-cut and easyto-maintain, perfect for women of all ages
Facial Grooming: Keep beards and moustaches neatly trimmed
You'll also learn simple maintenance procedures to keep your Oster equipment running in peak condition. Now anyone can learn to trim hair like a pro with the Oster Hair Grooming Video.
TONI&GUY Hairdressing: Transient Graduation VO106
1995 | Runtime 17 Minutes
TONI&GUY is a British international chain of hairdressing salons founded in the UK in 1963 by brothers Toni and Guy Mascolo. As of 2019, there are over 485 salons in 48 countries.
Uploader note: This is an example of an EXTREMELY sun damaged tape!
Well, that’s about it for this week. Thanks so much for reading and watching! I rarely plug the sub-button, but if you’re reading this, it’s free to subscribe and paid subscriptions are also available with a few minor perks! I post my photography, archive lost or nearly lost media, and talk about my music here. If you’re interested in any of that, please consider subscribing with the button down below so you don’t miss my next post!
I keep Youtube Playlists of the all the wonderful media I find. You can check out the Video Archive here, and the Audio Archive here. As always, if you have any questions or comments you can get at me here or here or leave a comment below this post
See you soon.
—Forrest
YEAH
I don't like that Barbie but I do like this article. Thank you, sir.