Los Angeles Trip January 2005

Dick Tufeld, Robert Kinoshita and Bob May.

I had a blast on my last trip out to L.A. I had a chance to visit with some friends of mine. On Tuesday when I arrived I made a bunch of calls to try and coordinate my week.

On Wednesday I got together with Don Marshall and headed over to Universal Studios for the day. We had a blast going on various rides at the theme park. Don worked for Universal Studios making an appearance on Buck Rodgers From The 25th Century and three Incredible Hulk episodes. We had a great day hanging out.

Wednesday night I headed over to The Sportsman's Lodge over in Studio City to have dinner with Alan Hunt, Terry Becker, Del Monroe from Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea and also my dear friend Kevin Burns. What a great dinner we had. The prime Rib at the Sportsman's Lodge is very good btw. Kevin Burns filled the Voyage crew on the upcoming Voyage project which you can read about in our January news section. The dinner and conversation was fun as we talked about the guys time on the set and other topics. The Voyage crew have very good memories regarding episodes and such from Voyage. I was truly amazed at their recollections. This night had definitely ended too quickly for me. I must take a moment to thank the Voyage crew and Kevin for a great dinner.

On Thursday I had lunch with Bob May, Dick Tufeld, and Bob Kinoshita. Prior to me coming out to L.A. I called Dick Tufeld to see if he was interested in having lunch with the three of us. He said yes. Bob May called Bob Kinoshita and arranged for him to come which I can't thank Bob enough for. This was the first time I met Bob Kinoshita.

We all decided on lunch at Gladstone's at Universal City Walk. The menu has a wide variety of goodies on it and has something for everyone. At lunch everyone reminisced about the old days. Both Bob's and Dick Tufeld all looked great. I was in awe as I listened to all the stories these three told. As lunch came to an end we all said our goodbyes and promised to do this once again next year. What a great time we had.

On Friday I met Kevin Burns at his office in Culver City. We went through various episodes and bonus materials which will be on the upcoming third season dvd release. The picture quality and bonus material is truly awesome. This set will definitely be the best set yet bar none. After spending half a day at Kevin's office I can honestly that this man works his butt off. Nonstop phone calls, approving things, and meetings are all part of Kevin's day. I got a chance to look at Kevin's vault of biography's and specials he has produced. I am truly in awe of his contributions. Kevin gifted me with a bunch of goodies which I can't thank him enough for.

On Friday night: I had dinner over at Kevin's house. We also watched " The Condemned Of Space" from the third season dvd set. BEAUTIFUL is the only way I could describe the print. I would see Kevin again on Saturday, and Sunday.

Saturday night: I was invited over to Deanna Lund's house for dinner. Don Marshall, Gary Conway, and Don Matheson joined us along with two of Deanna's friends who were visiting. Deanna cooked us a great dinner and we talked about the possible LOTG NBC miniseries. Again, check our news section for more details. All went well over dinner. The cast members would love to be involved in a new project. We will have to wait and see what comes of it. Thank you once again Deanna for a lovely dinner.

Sunday was a very special day for me. I got together with Kevin Burns and he took me over to his storage facility to see some LIS history. I got to see the Bermuda Shorts ( Robot lower half Bob May used to walk when need be instead of the full costume) The Bermuda's rubber has hardened over time but all in all are still in good shape. Also got to see all the original molds, neon,bubble that were used for the original Robot along with many other cool things. What a fun day I had. I must thank Kevin once again for a great time. Definitely something I wont forget.

On Sunday night I got together with Bob May and he took me to a GREAT barbecue restaurant in Van Nuys. This place was incredible. The best barbecue food I ever had. We munched on some beef ribs and had some great conversation. Of all the places I ate the week I was in L. A. the place Bob took me was the best. THANK YOU BOB I OWE YOU BIG TIME!!!!!!

Well the week had come to an end and it was time to pack up and head back to NYC. So Monday morning I got on the Freeway and headed for LAX airport. The flight home was fine and I couldn't help but reminisce about the great week I had just had over on the Left Coast.

Ray Dutczak
January 19,2005