Best-Dressed Retro Cartoon Characters

Irontail (from Peter Cottontail)

Nice Belted Leather Car Coat

Penelope Pitstop
Practical but Pink

Commander McBragg
Classic British Country Wear

Francesca (from Mad Monster Party)
Figure-Flattering Cheongsam

Riff-Raff (from Underdog)
Natty Gangster Pinstripes

Rudy (from Fat Albert)
A Bright, Confident Mix of Colors

More characters will be added if I think of them!

Now, a good one

The terrible Christopher Lee song and the terrible New Zealand middle-aged novelty song reminded me of this great song.

Happy Belated B-day to Beebo and Rico

The rockabilly-esque video featuring Sir Christopher that I just posted reminded me that I somehow forgot to share this little gem with regular FOULARD readers Beebo and Rico "Ice" Hertz on the occasion of their 40th birthdays (in 2009), so I'm going to do it now.

Enjoy it as much as I did!

Christopher Lee: Thespian, Singer

I don't know if you've enjoyed the vocal stylings of Sir Christopher Lee yet, but fans know he's long had a love of song. I just read that he has a 'symphonic metal' concept album coming out, based on the life of Charlemagne. Now might be a good time to revisit some of his earlier efforts:

Steve Guttenberg

No, not that one. But this guy reviews electronics online.

Steve Guttenberg is a frequent contributor to magazines and Web sites including Home Entertainment, Playback, and Ultimate AV. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET.

What an oddly unexciting celebrity name to have to live with! It reminds me of 'Michael Bolton' from Office Space, except that you can't really get infuriated at Steve G. Unless you really hate Short Circuit and the Police Academy movies.

How to (and how not to) wear a sweater vest

No!

No!

Yes! (obviously)

Yes! (minus the smoke)

Tip: always wear one that fits, and is not at all baggy. The vest should be made of a nice solid wool--the idea is to keep you warm in a chilly climate (outdoors or indoors), while not providing so much bulk under your jacket. Whenever possible, wear a dress shirt and tie. Extra bonus: you can tie your tie really poorly (tail longer than front) and no one will notice.

Are you prepared for Y2.01K?

Y2.01K Checklist for survival

The year 2010 bug arose from the fact that most old mainframe computers from the early 2000s still running keep track only of the last three digits of the year. The computer assumes the first three digits are 2 and 0 and 0. To the computer, 2009 is just 9. That means the computer will interpret 10 not as 2010 but as 2000, throwing the date calculation off by 10 years.

Because it is impossible to foresee exactly what problems will have to be dealt with at the turn of the decade, the American Red Cross has developed a checklist to help everyone handle Y2.01K in the best fashion possible:

Because many types of electrical equipment have embedded chips in them that control vital operations, the American Red Cross suggests that you first "check with manufacturers of any essential computer-controlled electronic equipment in your home to see if that equipment may be affected." This includes garage door openers, electronic locks, consumer electronics, security and fire systems, appliances and programmable thermostats.

If the equipment will be affected, it should be dealt with according to the manufacturer's instructions. The second thing the organization suggests is to stock disaster supplies for yourself and all who live with you. This will include nonperishable foods and water as well as an adequate supply of non-prescription and prescription drugs that you and your household regularly use.

"At least a gallon [approximately 4 -liters] of water per person per day to drink and a gallon per person per day for hygienic purposes should be stored," suggested Christopher -Thomas, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross.

Because computer systems may fail at banks, the American Red Cross suggests that you keep extra cash on hand as well in a safe place. "Withdraw your money from your bank in small amounts well in advance of 12/31/09 to avoid long lines at the bank at the last minute," the Red Cross said.

A few days or so before 12/31/09, the American Red Cross also suggests filling your gas tank. However, you should keep in mind that your car may have embedded chips that control vital functions such as power brakes, power steering, electronic fuel injection and other functions.

In case power fails in your area, the American Red Cross says that it would be wise to have alternative cooking methods planned. However, "We recommend you don't use camp stoves inside the house because this is how many fires start," Thomas said.

If power goes out, so may the heat. Having extra blankets, coats, hats, gloves and other articles of warm clothing will be a must since the Y2.01K problem will happen during the heart of the winter season. If lights go out due to power failures, flashlights--not candles--should be used for lighting purposes. Make sure you have a good supply of fresh batteries as well.

Last but not least, the American Red Cross asks that you check with local emergency service providers to see if more information is available on how your community will be handling the Y2.01K problem. No matter how serious Y2.01K may be, Thomas believes that everyone should be prepared. "We have to be prepared for the possibility (of a disaster)," said Thomas. "And the American Red Cross--though hoping for the best--is prepared for the worst."