A/V Geeks 16mm Lunch 2-5-2026

Hello everybody. This is Skip Alzheimer. Welcome to the AV Geeks lunchtime streaming show where we watch old 16 mm films. And we're going to start off with uh Paul sent us some films and uh as part of it, he sent his grandfather's um a home movie that he shot of LaGuardia, which was the airport that I was supposed to be flying into on Friday. Uh so let's watch some home movies. Enjoy. Yes. Stunning color. Beautiful. Beautiful color. uh that is Kodakchrome which was this amazing film [snorts] stock that Kodak created and then stopped making uh because they it was too expensive and I was like man like what an amazing brand that you just ruined. You really could have made that like a boutique brand. Could be something that people, you know, they only capture special things like weddings with Kodakchrome. Um, I mean all the other things that they suggested after that not nearly as good. Um, so very very frustrating. Uh, but yeah, amazing footage of LaGuardia, Philadelphia, etc. Uh, and was that a shell that was made out of a heart that was made out of shells in the on the beach? I don't know. That's what I I glanced and I thought I saw that. Um, you ready for another art adventure? I am. Enjoy. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> We all love beautiful things and we often decorate them [music] to make them more attractive. Sometimes we draw or paint, other [music] times we print. Printing allows us to repeat a design many [music] times. One of the easiest printing methods is block printing. [music] All you need is some ink or paint and a block to carve a design in. [music] You can use wood, lenolum, or even fruits and vegetables like [music] those Sati and Adam bought today. [music] The tools for block printing can be very simple. You can probably find all of them at home. A blunt table [music] knife is fine for carving designs. And you'll need some printers ink or paint. I like to [music] use acrylic paint because it works on almost any surface, paper, [music] cloth, wood, and after it's dry, it doesn't wash out. Now, all you need is something to print on. [music] Some fruits and vegetables have beautiful natural designs inside. Look at this apple. [music] It has an interesting outline and the core makes a pattern [music] inside the apple. Sati will print with it just as it is. [music] [music] First, she covers one of the surfaces with acrylic paint. She covers all the flat surface, [music] but is careful not to fill in the holes. [music] Sati first makes a test print on a piece of scrap paper. >> [music] >> She's being careful not to smear the paint, but is pressing hard enough to [music] get a good print. Her design is perfect. [music] [music] Now she can print the apple design on as many cards as she wants. [music] >> [music] [music] >> You can also print designs you make by carving them in a block. First, draw the design on paper. [music] It's generally wise to make simple designs at first. I'm making a star. [bell] [music] >> [music] [music] [music] >> Lay the pattern you've made on the surface of the vegetable block and cut around it with a table knife. >> [music] >> Cut into the block about [music] 10 to 15 mm deep, about/ an inch, following the outline of the design. [music] The high flat surface will [music] print. The cutout area won't [music] remember the core of Sati's apple. [music] [music] Now, let's see how the [music] potato prints. First, I coat it with paint. I'm using a roller. It's a good way to cover the surface evenly and quickly. [music] I make a test print on a piece of paper. [music] The design is perfect, so I can begin to print on this fabric. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> I put paper between the layers of cloth to keep the paint from bleeding [music] through, but it's always a good idea to work on a soft surface like newspaper. [music] Your prints will come out much clearer if you do. The apple design on Sati's cards [music] is dry now, so she can add another color. It's best to use a different block for each color you print with. [music] Then the colors don't run together. [music] >> [music] >> You can see that block printing with fruits and vegetables is very easy. Draw a design and carve it into your block. Choose a firm fruit or vegetable like a squash. And [music] remember, the way the vegetable is shaped inside can form part of the design. >> [music] [music] >> Make a test print before you begin printing. This will show that you have inked the block completely [music] and that the design is exactly what you want. [music] Remember, you'll have to reink the block often as you print. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> If you're using several colors, as [music] I am, it's best to print each color with a different block. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] >> It's fun and easy to block print and you can decorate almost anything. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Uh, somebody in the comments noted that this was very similar to ACI film, uh, a whole series called At Your Fingertips. um which showed various craft things you could do with uh things like boxes, sugar, string, etc. Uh had that same kind of vibe to it, literal vibe. Um this is uh another Bailey film uh and it's uh about automaintenance and how to play it safe. Enjoy. >> [music] [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> [music] >> That was a close one. And when a near accident of this kind happens, you're glad that for the moment at least, the other car's mechanical systems were operating safely. Yet at this moment, thousands of motorists are out on streets and highways everywhere. quite unaware of the unsafe condition of their cars because few have the mechanical knowhow to check out and maintain their cars in a safe condition. Nevertheless, the legal responsibility for a car's well-being lies with its driver. Insignificant as it may appear, the horn is your car's only audible warning device capable of alerting another driver who for some reason does not or cannot see you. As with many of your car's safety devices, the horn is easily checked without having to leave the driver's seat. Take the windshield cleaning system. Even the newest wiper blades can't ensure safe visibility unless its reservoir is full and the hoses and pump are in good condition. So check the system occasionally. It could be valuable insurance in case of an emergency. The light systems can also be checked right from the driver's seat, but you may need an assistant to tell you whether the various lights are working properly. Many cars require that you turn on the ignition key to activate the turn signals and brake lights. And don't forget to check the rear lights as well. Just as important as properly functioning lights is keeping the lenses clean and in good condition. And while you're at it, check the warning lights, too. Misaligned headlights are dangerous both to yourself and to other drivers. To check the headlights, shine them on a wall. If one seems out of line, have an expert check them. An oncoming car can be extremely dangerous if its driver is suddenly blinded by your misaligned headlights. The brakes are another safety system upon which every driver and passenger relies. To test the brakes, press the pedal. If it feels spongy, goes more than halfway to the floor, or drifts downward as you press it, have the entire system inspected. The emergency brake can be a valuable safety device in case the foot brakes fail. Pulling the release while pressing the foot pedal could help prevent a skid. To test the emergency brake, set the lever, start the engine, and put the car in drive or high. Press lightly on the accelerator. If the car moves easily, the emergency brake needs adjusting. Few parts of a car are as responsible for the safety of yourself and your passengers as the tires. So once a month, check the air pressure in all the tires and don't forget the spare. If you're not sure what pressure to keep in the tires, consult your owner's manual. Feel the tires for bumps and cuts and uneven wear. And see that the base of the stem is not cracked. Wear indicators warn when a tire is unsafe and illegal. Uneven wear may mean that the wheels are out of line, need balancing, or that the shock absorbers need replacing. Worn shock absorbers can reduce the safe handling of your car as well as its gas mileage and tire life. To check the shocks, push up and down over each wheel. If the car bounces more than once, it may be time for new shocks. Several of your car's important safety systems lie under the hood. But before working here, play it safe and turn off the engine. This drive belt is in satisfactory condition. There are no cracks or frayed edges, but the belt does need tightening. You shouldn't be able to depress it more than a half inch. Most everyone has had the unpleasant experience of a ruptured radiator or heater hose. To prevent this happening to you, periodically check all the hoses for soft spots, bulges, and cracks. Also, check the small hose leading to the radiator overflow tank. And note the tank's coolant level, especially in summer and on long trips. If the fluid level is not visible through the tank wall, remove the cap and look in. If there is no overflow tank, place your hand on the radiator. If it feels comfortable, it's cool enough to remove the cap and inspect the coolant level. With more and more motorists frequenting self-service gas stations [music] nowadays, it's easy to forget to check the oil and other vital fluids, have the chassis lubricated, and the engine tuned. [music] A poorly lubricated engine or drive fluid reservoir [music] can make a car both unsafe and costly to repair. to say nothing of the inconvenient. It's the same with an engine that refuses to start because of the acid-caused corrosion that often forms around the battery terminals. And no smoking around a battery. A lighted cigarette can cause the hydrogen gas inside to explode in your face. So, clean the terminals periodically, but do so safely. This caution includes the ring on your finger. If it makes contact with the electrical circuit, it could cause a severe burn. Sometimes a battery will simply go dead. But if you have jumper cables, you can use another car's battery to start your engine. Starting an engine is safe if you follow your owner's manual. It'll read something like this. Don't allow the car's bumpers to touch. See that the battery has sufficient fluid and that it is not frozen if the weather is cold. Make sure both batteries have the same power rating by checking the manuals. Or remember that six filler caps or none at all usually indicate 12 V while three caps indicate 6 V. See that your battery is grounded to the engine block from the same terminal as the booster battery, usually the negative one. Place both vehicles in park or neutral. Turn off all electrical accessories and set the brake. First, connect the positive terminals of both batteries using the cable with the red handled clamps. Second, attach one black handled clamp to the negative terminal of the booster battery. Finally, attach the other to the dead batteries engine block far enough away from the battery so that sparks cannot ignite the hydrogen gas inside it and cause the battery to explode. Now, let's do it. First, connect the positive terminals, keeping the cables clear of the fan and the drive belts. Attach one black handle clamp to the negative terminal of the booster battery and the other to the dead batteries engine block. Now start the engine. If it doesn't start right off, have an assistant start the booster car's engine. Let it run a minute or two to build up the charge. Then try yours again. Once your engine is running, keep it going and shut off the booster engine. Now remove the cables in exactly the reverse order from the way you put them on. And be careful, if the red and black handled clamps touch, you'll get a dangerous spark. Finally, drive to a garage or service station and have the trouble diagnosed and corrected. In spite of all you do to keep your car in a safe condition, sometimes something just goes wrong. And when it does, you're glad you made sure your car carries the proper emergency equipment and that you took the time to learn how to use it. Such equipment can be invaluable in an emergency, like the flat tire. Refrain [music] from slamming on the brakes and taking a nasty skid. If there's no room to park completely [music] off the pavement, turn on your emergency flashers and drive slowly to [music] a wide level spot. Ruining a tire is safer than risking a rear-end collision. >> [music] >> Changing a tire is safe and [music] easy if you have the right tools, a good spare, and take the proper safety precautions. [music] To be on the safe side, take out the spare before jacking up the wheel and crack loose the lug nuts before jacking [music] the tire completely off the ground. >> [music] >> When the tire is an inch or so above the ground, finish removing the lug nuts and be careful not to lose them. If your wheel has a hub cap, put the lugs in it for safekeeping. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> When tightening the lug nuts, remember to tighten those that lie opposite each other around the hub. >> [music] >> Lower the jack till the tire firmly touches the ground. Then tighten each lug as much as you can. If you're not sure they're tight enough, stop at the nearest service station [music] and have someone check them. >> [music] [music] >> Knowing how to assess the condition of your car's safety systems is your [music] legal responsibility. And be assured that if you take good care of your car, your car will take good care of you. [music] [music] >> [music] [snorts] >> I need to find a better copy of that that doesn't have a big green emulsion line running through the middle of it. Uh and yeah, somebody uh called it. That was Howal Smith narrating. How Smith of course shows up in some of the films that we have voicing puppets. Uh he also appears live in some of the the things. Uh and he's known for being Otis the Drunk on uh the Andy Griffith Show, but also did like voices for um Disney and yeah, just lots and lots of character actor positions and also voice acting roles. So we love him. All right. Uh so this is another film from Paul And this features his grandfather and there's two commercials at the beginning and then there's a student film and I just drawn to the beard. Is this the same guy like who appeared in these commercials and then appeared in the student film? I I don't know. Maybe you can help me figure this out. Um anyways, enjoy. >> Oh, sure. about [music] that. >> Hi, Santa. Do you know that Union Planners National Bank says Christmas is for kids? >> Sure do. >> And do you know that because Union Planters likes kids and Christmas, they welcome Christmas Club accounts? >> Sure do. >> But Santa, how does a Christmas club account work? >> Well, let's see. It's a special account where you deposit 50 cents or more every week. >> Oh. And just before Christmas, Union Planters mails you your special Christmas club check. >> Mailed me? >> Yes. And the wink, you have the cash you need to pay Christmas bills. >> Well, hey, can we have a Christmas club Santa? >> Union Planters welcomes all Christmas club accounts. After all, it's the best way of saying merry Christmas, everybody. Merry Christmas, everybody. >> [laughter] >> Oh, sure. I need to know about that. >> Hi, Santa. Do you know that Union Planters National Bank says Christmas is for kids? >> Sure do. >> And do you know that because Union Planters likes kids and Christmas, they welcome Christmas Club accounts? >> Sure do. But Santa, how does a Christmas club account work? >> Well, let's see. It's a special account where you deposit 50 cents or more every week. >> Oh, then just before Christmas, Union Planters mails you your special Christmas club check. Mails mean? >> Yes. As quick as the week, you have the cash you need to pay Christmas bills. >> Wa! >> Hey, can we have a Christmas club, Santa? Union Planters welcomes all Christmas club accounts. After all, it's the best way of saying merry Christmas, everybody. Merry Christmas, everybody. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [applause] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] [music] >> Yeah. So, uh do we think that the same actor that was in the cake was also the person who played Santa Claus? My gut is yes. uh only because why else would it have been included in on that reel um and by the person who um his grandfather played the old guy in the cake. Um this was a UCLA student film. Chances are this might have been a film to because the story is so thin. It could be a film that was just about the technical aspects of film making uh as far as shooting, lighting, um you know, cinematography and then you know telling this a story, a very simple story. Um there wasn't any uh chances are there wasn't sync sound so that that sound was added later was fully in. Um, so yeah, I mean not every film has to make sense. Maybe there was a story behind this, but I think the story is pretty simple. Anyhow, um, that's why we watch films on Age [clears throat] Geeks uh, lunchtime show because we have to figure things out together. All of us to come together and go alike. H um but I will take beautifully colored uh code of chrome footage of Santa Claus talking to puppets about Christmas clubs at a local bank any day, any day of the week. Uh thanks for watching today. Very much appreciate your eyeballs. Uh hit the thumbs up, hit the like button. Even if you've hit thumbs up recently, just just do it again. It's it's free. Um, but also you can donate via the superthanks button, uh, via patreon.com/avgeeks, uh, via ko-fi.coms. Those are great ways to support us. But even just watching, sharing, um, watching other films that we have on our channel, those are great ways to say you're welcome or thank you. I don't know. Anyways, I'm gonna go look for some films. Everybody have a great rest of your day. I will see you tomorrow. Take care. Bye.