Back Talk

Okay, raise your hand if that title did not intrigue you. Everyone with their hands raised is lying. Time for clarification. I attended Catholic school for grades 1-5 and my teachers were mostly nuns. Some of you may recall my posting about the great comic book incident.

Long before I was sentenced to hell for reading comics, my second grade teacher informed the whole class that there was no Santa and Christmas was Jesus’ birthday. Now, seeing as I was a very young and impressionable seven year old, one would imagine that this was a traumatic experience. As I recall, I more or less invalidated her premise, not the Jesus part, after all they pretty much pushed that story every week in church since I was old enough to attend. I got it…manger, virgin, three wise men.

The part I did not buy into was the no Santa Claus clause.(see how I made that cute pun) I was pretty sure I had hard scientific proof that Santa existed. After all, how did all those presents get under the tree? It’s not like anyone’s parents would go out and spend that kind of dough just to perpetuate some childhood fantasy. Let’s be reasonable. So, sorry lady in black, there is a Santa. Still got the half eaten cookie and as soon as the DNA testing comes back, you’re going to owe someone an apology.

Now, before you think all my Catholic school memories are negative let me close with a more uplifting tale. I saw my first naked lady at Catholic school. No, it wasn’t a nun! Sheesh, what a weird bunch you guys are. I was on the playground(church parking lot) in third grade and one of the older kids had one of those “floaty” pens with a picture of a bathing beauty on it and when you tipped the pen her suit disappeared. Hmm, come to think of it, those things would make great stocking stuffers!

Merry Everything!

I don’t intend to discuss politics on this blog to any great degree, but the recent election seems like a good time to give a kid’s perspective on the subject.

During my life to this point there have been five Democrats and five Republicans in the White House. I can sort of tell the difference between the two parties. When I was a child, I knew the name of The Prez, but had no inkling of party affiliation or that political parties existed. I only knew that the President was someone that you looked up to, but did not necessarily revere.

I remember watching the Smothers Brothers television show which aired in the late 60’s. Even though I was much too young to fully understand the humor, I found the show appealing. The show was on when I was 6-8 years old.   It was quite controversial for its skits which were very critical of the president and the Vietnam war. While people would argue whether or not it was appropriate to criticize a sitting president, no one could get thrown in jail for doing so and I learned early on that you could question authority, though I definitely was not much of a rebel due to my quiet nature. But, it was nice to know, if I chose, I could “fight the man”!

One of the series regulars was a comedian named Pat Paulsen who became quite famous for his humorous bids to become elected president of the United States. He ran for office many times over the years and actually appeared on several ballots and received some votes. He was simultaneously taking the air out of  some of the over inflated egos of political leaders while reinforcing that anyone in America could throw his hat into the ring. In hindsight, though his  comedic platform was mixed with legitimate issues, I have seen recent candidates with no attempt at humor seem infinitely more ridiculous than Mr. Paulsen ever did.

However, I digress. My main point was that regardless of which party was in power, my life as a kid did not change. As long as there were cartoons on Saturday morning and I could ride my bike after school, life was good. If my parents were disappointed in the government, they never let their kids know it. I’m sure there were some tough economic times that they perhaps felt were the cause of one particular administration or another, but we were not privy to that. I think that would be the better approach, but I’m sure there are a lot of youngsters that have had some low opinions of the last two presidents thrust upon them and have suffered some unnecessary angst that could have been put off at least until high school.

So, next time one of our leaders lets you down, go for a bike ride and watch some cartoons. For aren’t those two things which unite us all?

This was made by the same folks responsible for the Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer show we see every December. I don’t know why a network doesn’t play this fun movie every Halloween. We just got the Blue-Ray in at Blast From The Past.

Mad Monster Party – Clip – YouTube.

We have just taken one more step in our attempt to recreate the perfect child hood here at Blast From The Past. A nice man just delivered a freezer full of delicious ice cream novelties.

It looks like they are going to be quite popular, but I must confess the shopping experience won’t quite replicate my child hood memories. Unlike candy, comics and soda which were purchased in a small corner store, the best way to buy ice cream was from the ice cream man. Who doesn’t remember running to their mother for a nickel or dime to buy a frozen treat when they heard the clang of the bell as the big white truck circled the neighborhood? When I was a kid, the ice cream truck did not have a serving window like they do now. Instead the truck was divided into multiple freezer units loaded with dry ice( I assume). Depending upon what you ordered the ice cream man would open each door which was held closed with a giant latch. Nothing beat the quick burst of cold on a hot summer’s day as the door was opened to reveal dozens of tasty treats. I was always fascinated by the little change maker on his belt. It was a metal device which clipped to his belt. It had four little cylinders from which he could dispense coins with the  flip of a small lever.

I don’t know if ice cream trucks patrol neighborhoods any more or just sit at ball parks and beaches waiting for customers. I think I’ll go buy a bell and push our freezer around the block. Anyone have a 10,000 foot extension cord?

10 cent Cokes are very popular, even at a dollar.

Pictured above with our assorted Coke merchandise at Blast From The Past is an original Vendo 39 soda machine. Back in the fifties machines like this were rather ubiquitous throughout the country and were often found outside gas stations where the patrons could complete the transaction with no further assistance from the staff.  Most grocery stores opted for the chest style coolers which required the customer to pay a cashier.  This particular model was in our private collection. I’ve always been fascinated by coin-op devices like candy and soda machines. While I don’t have a huge collection. I have managed to acquire two soda machines, one large Stoner candy machine and a couple gumball and small candy vending machines.

Obviously, vending machines are still in plentiful supply albeit with less style than those of the past. I often thought the small measure of fun I received from putting my nickels or dimes into my assorted vending machines was unique to my quirky personality. I have been proven very wrong as is evidenced by the onslaught of smiles and giggles which have descended upon our store ever since we loaded the old Vendo with 8 oz. bottles of Coca Cola. People of all ages have had quite a bit of fun dropping a coin in the slot and pressing the lever with its accompanying thunk as the drum rotates placing one perfectly chilled bottle within their reach.

A quick pop of the top, the telltale “fizz” and that first sip or gulp, depending upon the individual, and of course the smile. Always the smile. Imagine if we could bottle that kind of happiness. Wait…I guess someone already did!