Rick Sebak DVDs and Croquettes – Recuperating Retro Roadmap Style

Not one to dwell on the negative but wanted to let my dear Retro Roadmap readers know that Mod Betty has been a little under the weather these past few days, which is no fun for anyone. Luckily I appear to be on the other side of the worst, and true to my nature I’m recuperating in true Retro Roadmap fashion (turban optional).

As I type this Retro Roadhusband just walked in the door with some chicken croquettes and mashed potatoes from The Fisherman, which aren’t the most picturesque items, but hopefully will hit the spot with their mushy goodness. (update: they did, mmm….)

Also through the power of modern technology I was able to check out a DVD from the Library down the block and as luck would have it one of the many wonderful shows from WQED’s Rick Sebak was on hand. After croquettes we’ll be enjoying A Ride Along The Lincoln Highway from the comfort of our own couch.

For those of you who don’t know Rick Sebak by name, or from the lovely tidbits he’s shared here on Retro Roadmap, he’s responsible for some of the more enjoyable original programming on public television, including features about diners, Pittsburgh, amusement parks, ice cream and Mr Rogers; pretty much all the stuff that I hold dear to my lil Retro Roadmap heart.

According to the WQED website:

Rick Sebak makes unusual television programs. His slightly wacky documentaries celebrate various aspects of modern American life and the unexpected charms of Pittsburgh. Audiences have learned to recognize his friendly narrative style and the unusual topics that he obviously loves.

So even if you’re not sick in bed, you’d do yourself right to catch up on all of his features, and enjoy one of his virtual road trips- many of which are available to purchase in the WQED store!

•    The Mon, The Al & The O (1988)
•    Kennywood Memories (1988)
•    Holy Pittsburgh! (1989)
•    Our Neighbor Fred Rogers (Two versions: 1989, 1990)
•    Flying Off The Bridge To Nowhere! And Other Tales Of Pittsburgh Bridges (1990)
•    Things That Aren’t There Anymore (1990)
•    Downtown Pittsburgh (1992)
•    The Pennsylvania Road Show (1992)
•    Pennsylvania Diners And Other Roadside Restaurants (1993)
•    Stuff That’s Gone (1994)
•    Houses Around Here (1994)
•    The Strip Show (1996)
•    An Ice Cream Show (1996)
•    Shore Things (1996)
•    North Side Story (1997)
•    South Side (1998)
•    Things That Are Still Here (1999)
•    A Hot Dog Program (1999)
•    Great Old Amusement Parks (1999)
•    Something About Oakland (2000)
•    Pittsburgh A To Z (2001)
•    A Flea Market Documentary (2001)
•    Sandwiches That You Will Like (2002)
•    Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh (2002)
•    Things We’ve Made (2003)
•    Fred Rogers: America’s Favorite Neighbor (2003)
•    It’s the Neighborhoods (2004)
•    A Program About Unusual Buildings & Other Roadside Stuff (2004)
•    A Cemetery Special (2005)
•    What Makes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh (2006)
•    Underground Pittsburgh (2007)
•    To Market To Market To Buy A Fat Pig (2007)
•    Invented, Engineered, and Pioneered in Pittsburgh (2008)
•    A Ride Along the Lincoln Highway (2008)
•    Right Beside the River (2009)
•    Breakfast Special (TBD 2010)

We’ll be back to our regular Retro Roadmap programming tomorrow, as I hope to be able to attend the Philadelphia Neon Talk, health willing. Now pardon me as I allow Retro Roaddog to hop onto the bed and help heal his poor ailing momma!