The POP-EXPOSE 

31 Days of Halloween: Reopening the Gates of Hell with 1987’s “Hellraiser

As we continue our journey through the 31 Days of Halloween, it’s time to open the puzzle box and descend into the twisted, grotesque world of “Hellraiser” (1987). Written and directed by Clive Barker, this disturbing masterpiece pushed the boundaries of 1980s horror, introducing audiences to an unforgettable combination of psychological terror, sadomasochistic horror, and grotesque body horror. Thirty-seven years later, “Hellraiser” remains a cornerstone of the genre, largely due to its haunting visuals, unique mythology, and the chilling presence of Pinhead. The Plot: Pleasure and Pain in the Darkest…

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Remembering the Great Dikembe Mutombo!

Story By Mitchell Smith Hello everybody today we look back at another great sports figure lost on September 30, 2024. Dikembe Mutombo was born in 1966 in the Republic of the Congo. Mutombo moved to the US at age 21 and enrolled at Georgetown University to become a doctor. It wasn’t long after that the basketball coaches took note of the 7’2” frame. He ended up playing 4 years for the Hoyas and was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1991. He would play in the NBA till 2009. Mutombo…

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Remembering The Legendary Pete Rose!

Hello everybody yesterday was a sad day for America. We loose MLB great Pete Rose. Rose who has been in controversy over the past several years over being held out of the baseball hall of fame because of sports betting. Rose who was born in 1941 in Cincinnati was more than a flawed person. When you think of the Big Red Machine you think of Pete Rose and the Pete Rose slide coined by him for the head first slide. Rose who was a switch hitter and gold glove winner…

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31 Days of Halloween: A Retrospective on 1987’s “Predator” – The Ultimate Hunter

As we dive into the heart of our 31 Days of Halloween horror movie retrospectives, it’s time to spotlight one of the most intense, genre-blending thrillers of the 1980s: “Predator” (1987). This sci-fi action horror masterpiece directed by John McTiernan and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is a relentless blend of tension, suspense, and brutal alien terror that continues to captivate audiences over three decades later. In today’s Halloween countdown, let’s relive the adrenaline-pumping experience of “Predator” and explore why it remains a beloved horror-action icon. The Plot: A Simple Mission Turned…

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My Top 10 NFL Players Who Never Won A Super Bowl!

Story by Mitchell Smith The NFL is in full swing so today I’m taking a look at the top 10 NFL Players Who Never Won a Super Bowl. Despite remarkable careers filled with individual accolades, some of the greatest players in NFL history never hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. I guess winning isn’t everything. Here are my top 10 NFL picks. Number 10 Junior Seau (LB, San Diego Chargers/New England Patriots). Seau was the heart and soul of the San Diego Chargers’ defense for over a decade. A ferocious linebacker known…

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Cheers at 42: How a Sitcom About a Bar Became a Cultural Icon

On September 30th, 1982, a simple sitcom about a Boston bar debuted on NBC. The show, Cheers, introduced audiences to a cozy, neighborhood watering hole where everyone knew your name. Little did anyone know that this low-rated debut would evolve into one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed television series in history, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture for decades to come. A Rocky Start with a Legendary Payoff Cheers had a humble beginning. The pilot, though praised by critics, premiered to low viewership. In fact, Cheers ranked…

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Cartoon Crushes of the ’80s: Why Jem, Baroness, and Other Animated Icons Stole Our Hearts

Ah, the 1980s—an era of neon colors, Saturday morning cartoons, and a surprising number of childhood crushes. For many of us, animated characters had an undeniable allure. Whether it was their confidence, badassery, or sheer coolness, these characters left a lasting impression. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at some of the most crush-worthy cartoon characters from the 1980s. Jem (Jem and the Holograms)“Truly outrageous” is right! Jem, with her bright pink hair, larger-than-life stage persona, and supercharged rock star style, was a character who embodied the glam of the…

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Solving Mysteries and Pitying Fools: The Story Behind the Iconic 1980s Mr. T Animated Series

The 1980s was a golden age for Saturday morning cartoons, a time when animated shows ruled the airwaves and characters from popular culture were immortalized in animated form. Among the many icons who made this leap was Mr. T, the larger-than-life figure who became a household name thanks to his role as B.A. Baracus on the hit TV show The A-Team. It was no surprise that Mr. T would eventually get his own animated series. But how did this iconic cartoon come to be, and how did the man behind…

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The Princess Bride: A Timeless Tale of Adventure, Romance, and Wit

On September 25, 1987, a quirky, heartwarming movie titled The Princess Bride hit theaters, captivating audiences with its blend of adventure, romance, and humor. Over the years, this film has achieved cult status, becoming a beloved classic that continues to resonate with viewers of all ages, even 37 years later. As we look back on this iconic movie, it’s clear why The Princess Bride still holds up today. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on William Goldman’s novel, The Princess Bride is a story within a story, brilliantly framed as…

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1987 Full Metal Jacket A Retrospective!

Story by Mitchell Smith Today I’m taking a look back at the 1987 movie! Full Metal Jacket directed by Stanley Kubrick. The movie is based on the 1979 novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford, the film stands out as one of the most raw and brutally honest depictions of the dehumanizing effects of war. Set during the Vietnam War, the film delves deeply into the psychological transformation of soldiers, and how the harsh realities of war can erode humanity, compassion, and individuality. The film is structured into two distinct parts,…

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Celebrating 40 Years of Who’s the Boss?

Forty years ago, on September 20, 1984, a sitcom would grace the airwaves on ABC and become a beloved household favorite: Who’s the Boss?. Starring Tony Danza, Judith Light, Alyssa Milano, Danny Pintauro, and Katherine Helmond, the show quickly became a staple of 1980s and early 1990s television, spanning eight seasons and a total of 196 episodes. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it’s worth looking back at what made Who’s the Boss? such a standout hit and why it remains a cherished piece of television history today. A Refreshing…

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Celebrating 40 Years of ‘Hunter’: A Landmark Action Series

On September 18th, 2024, the iconic NBC action series “Hunter” turns 40, marking four decades since its debut in 1984. Created by Frank Lupo, the series starred Fred Dryer as Detective Rick Hunter, a tough, no-nonsense LAPD cop known for bending the rules and often resorting to heavy-handed tactics. Co-starring Stepfanie Kramer as Detective Dee Dee McCall, the show delivered intense action, thrilling crime stories, and a memorable duo that became one of television’s most popular crime-fighting teams. The Plot and Characters “Hunter” followed the traditional “buddy cop” formula, but…

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“Celebrating 41 Years of ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’: How the 1983 NBC Cartoon Rocked the 80s and Beyond”

On September 17, 1983, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” made its debut on NBC, marking a significant moment in animation history. While the Chipmunks had originally been created by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. in 1958, the 1983 series revived the characters for a new generation. Running for 8 seasons, the show became an iconic part of 1980s television and pop culture, infusing its episodes with the fashion, music, and trends of the decade. As the series celebrates its 41st birthday in 2024, it’s clear that “Alvin and the Chipmunks” left a lasting…

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A Nostalgic Look Back at The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Revisiting Peter Jackson’s Timeless Classic

Story by Mitchell Smith Today I’m taking a look back at the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. In the late nineties Peter Jackson set out to bring Tolkien’s story to the big screen and 2001 those who had never heard of the story suddenly were able to catch it in the theater. It was a formula that many have used and something Tolkien used to escape the brutality of WWI. Jackson took a story that had been written decades earlier and turned it into one of…

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Scooby-Doo Celebrates 55 Years of Mystery and Mayhem!

On September 13, 1969, a group of teenagers and their lovable Great Dane, Scooby-Doo, made their debut on television in the animated series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!. Now, 55 years later, Scooby-Doo continues to be one of the most iconic and beloved animated shows in history. For over half a century, audiences of all ages have been captivated by the spooky mysteries, thrilling adventures, and timeless humor of Scooby-Doo and the gang. The premise of the show was simple yet groundbreaking at the time: four friends—Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy—along…

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