online community focused on sharing and reminiscing about video, audio, and images that stir our memories of the past – old television, theme songs, commercials, print advertisements, the sights and sounds you remember
The 1971 Ford Capri was a sleek, sporty coupe built by Ford of Europe and marketed as “the car you always promised yourself.” Designed to be the European counterpart to the Ford Mustang, it featured a long-hood, short-deck fastback style and rear-wheel drive, delivering a true driver’s car experience at an accessible price.
Offered with a wide range of engines—from modest 1.3L and 1.6L inline-4s to punchier 2.6L and 3.0L V6s (especially in the UK)—the Capri catered to casual drivers and performance enthusiasts alike. U.S. versions were sold under the Mercury badge and featured slight styling tweaks to meet local regulations.
With its lightweight build, distinctive styling, and customizable trims, the 1971 Capri became an icon of ‘70s motoring, earning a devoted following and a legacy as Europe’s answer to the muscle car.
📅 Founded in 1965 – FotoMat started in the mid-1960s and quickly became a recognizable part of suburban America. The company was originally based in Florida.
🏢 Boom in the 1970s – By the late 1970s, FotoMat had over 4,000 kiosks across the U.S., often found in shopping center parking lots. They were a common sight in suburban neighborhoods.
🕰 Innovative for Its Time – At its peak, FotoMat was considered revolutionary because it provided fast photo processing before one-hour labs existed. Customers could drop off film and pick up their prints the next day—something unheard of at the time!
💰 Acquired by Kodak – In 1980, Kodak bought FotoMat, hoping to use it to expand its film processing services. However, as technology advanced, demand for film development began to decline.
🎥 Early VHS Rental Pioneer – Before Blockbuster and Hollywood Video, FotoMat was one of the first companies to offer movie rentals by mail in the early 1980s. Customers would order a VHS or Betamax movie from a catalog, and it would be delivered to a nearby kiosk for pickup.
📉 The Decline – The rise of one-hour photo labs, drugstore processing, and eventually digital photography made FotoMat less relevant. By the early 2000s, the brand had all but disappeared.
🏗 Repurposed Kiosks – Many former FotoMat booths were converted into coffee stands, smoothie shops, flower kiosks, and even small banking kiosks. Some still exist today with new uses!
When Marcus Welby, M.D. debuted in 1969, it became ABC’s first major medical drama hit, paving the way for future shows in the genre. Starring Robert Young as the wise and compassionate Dr. Welby, the series stood out for tackling controversial topics like drug addiction, STDs, and other issues—which was uncommon for TV at the time.
Robert Young, already famous from Father Knows Best, became so associated with his role that fans even wrote to him for medical advice! His on-screen partner, James Brolin, got his big break as the younger, motorcycle-riding Dr. Steven Kiley, a character that even boosted Honda motorcycle sales. The show’s memorable theme music by Leonard Rosenman remains a nostalgic favorite, and its success led to a spin-off, Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law, along with several reunion TV movies in the ’80s.
Despite airing against tough competition like Hawaii Five-O, Marcus Welby, M.D. thrived, winning the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 1970. Its portrayal of the contrast between Welby’s old-school approach and Kiley’s modern medical techniques made it relatable across generations. More than just a medical drama, the show left a lasting impact on television history.
Do you have a favorite Marcus Welby, M.D. moment? Share your memories in the comments!
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I had one back in middle school in the 70s, but back then, we called it junior high. Today, I wonder if my fitness watch is similar to my stress indicator.
Mood rings were a huge fad in the 1970s, introduced around 1975. These rings contained liquid crystal-filled stones that changed colors based on the temperature of the wearer’s skin, which was believed to reflect their emotional state. The concept was marketed as a way to “see your emotions” in real time.
How They Worked
The liquid crystals inside the ring were thermochromic, meaning they changed colors based on temperature fluctuations. The idea was that when you were calm or happy, your body temperature was slightly higher, and when you were stressed or anxious, it was lower.
Color Meanings (According to Marketing)
Blue – Relaxed, calm, happy
Green – Normal, at ease
Amber – Nervous, unsettled
Gray/Black – Stressed or cold
Popularity and Cultural Impact
Mood rings were trendy among teenagers and young adults, fitting into the New Age and self-awareness movements of the time. They were sold in jewelry stores, department stores, and even gas stations. The concept of emotions being visible through jewelry fascinated people, even though the science behind it was more about skin temperature than actual emotions.
While the 70s craze eventually faded, mood rings have remained a nostalgic item, resurfacing in various forms over the years. Have you ever owned one?
How They Worked
The liquid crystals inside the ring were thermochromic, meaning they changed colors based on temperature fluctuations. The idea was that when you were calm or happy, your body temperature was slightly higher, and when you were stressed or anxious, it was lower.
Color Meanings (According to Marketing)
Blue – Relaxed, calm, happy
Green – Normal, at ease
Amber – Nervous, unsettled
Gray/Black – Stressed or cold
Popularity and Cultural Impact
Mood rings were trendy among teenagers and young adults, fitting into the New Age and self-awareness movements of the time. They were sold in jewelry stores, department stores, and even gas stations. The concept of emotions being visible through jewelry fascinated people, even though the science behind it was more about skin temperature than actual emotions.
While the 70s craze eventually faded, mood rings have remained a nostalgic item, resurfacing in various forms over the years. Have you ever owned one?
Affiliate Disclosure The RetroSite is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Johnny Mathis performing in October 2024 at Flagstaff, Arizona.
After more than seven decades of serenading audiences with his velvety voice, Johnny Mathis, the iconic crooner, has announced his retirement. Known for timeless classics like Chances Are, Misty, and Wonderful! Wonderful!, Mathis has been a defining voice in American music since the 1950s.
At 88 years old, Mathis has continued to perform tirelessly, delighting fans with his signature blend of jazz, pop, and romantic ballads. His influence spans generations, with a career that includes over 360 million records sold worldwide, making him one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.
Mathis’ decision to step away from the stage marks the end of an era for fans who have cherished his smooth vocals and heartfelt performances. Though he will no longer tour, his vast catalog of music ensures that his legacy will live on. From his Christmas albums that have become holiday staples to his enduring love songs, Johnny Mathis’ contributions to music are immeasurable.
As he bids farewell to the spotlight, Mathis leaves behind a remarkable legacy—one that will continue to enchant listeners for generations to come.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is integrating My HealtheVet into VA.gov to provide Veterans with a unified platform for managing both health care and other VA benefits. This transition aims to simplify access and enhance the user experience by consolidating services in one location. My Health +7Veterans Affairs+7Connected Care+7
Key Features of the New My HealtheVet on VA.gov:
Prescription Management: Refill VA prescriptions, track deliveries, and view medication details.My Health
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In 1997, Taco Bell launched one of its most memorable ad campaigns featuring a small, charismatic Chihuahua named Gidget. The dog, voiced by actor Carlos Alazraqui, became famous for the catchphrase “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” (which means “I want Taco Bell!”). The campaign ran until around 2000 and included other iconic phrases like “Viva Gorditas!” (Imagine the fallout if that was said today!)
The ads were wildly popular, making the Chihuahua a pop culture icon. However, Taco Bell eventually retired the campaign due to declining sales and a lawsuit from the advertising agency that claimed they weren’t properly compensated for the idea.
Did you know Joey had a star-studded connection to Friends even behind the scenes? Or that it actually won awards? 🤯 In this video, we’re breaking down 5 interesting facts about Joey, the Friends spin-off that followed Joey Tribbiani’s Hollywood adventures. From surprise cameos to unaired episodes and a streaming comeback — there’s more to this show than you remember!
There’s a lot to unpack in this video! I haven’t thought about a woman’s measurements since people used to ask, “What’s your sign?” Curiosity got the best of me, so I looked up women’s measurements for 2025. It turns out the average chest measurement is now around 36 to 42 inches, and the waist measurement is about 35 inches and hips are now 40-42 inches.
Hunk of, Hunk of Frosted Love Make your next event truly special. Get your Elvis cupcake toppers here
Easy Come, Easy Go (1967) is a musical comedy starring Elvis Presley as Lieutenant Ted Jackson, a Navy frogman (diver) on the verge of retirement. During one of his final dives, he discovers a sunken ship rumored to contain buried treasure.
After leaving the Navy, Ted teams up with a quirky group of characters—including his love interest, Jo Symington (played by Dodie Marshall), and a free-spirited dancer, Dina (played by Pat Priest)—to recover the treasure. Along the way, they encounter comedic obstacles, rival treasure hunters, and underwater challenges.
The King’s Bling! Get these for the Elvis lover in your life here
The film features several musical numbers performed by Elvis and is known for its lighthearted tone, underwater scenes, and ’60s beach party vibe. Directed by John Rich, it’s one of Elvis’s many fun, formulaic adventure comedies from his Hollywood era.
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For over 50 years, Lite-Brite has been a beloved toy that has captivated children and adults alike. With its simple yet innovative design, this glowing masterpiece allows users to create vibrant, illuminated images using small colored pegs. But beyond being a nostalgic favorite, some versions of Lite-Brite have become valuable collector’s items, fetching hundreds of dollars in the resale market.
The History of Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite was invented in 1967 by Joseph M. Burck, a designer at Hasbro. Inspired by the dazzling effect of stained-glass windows, Burck wanted to create a toy that let children “paint with light.” The first models came with a lightbox, a black perforated screen, and colored translucent pegs that, when placed, created glowing images.
The toy became an instant success, with Hasbro releasing character-themed templates featuring Mickey Mouse, Scooby-Doo, and other popular figures. Over the years, Lite-Brite has evolved into digital versions, LED models, and even app-based designs, ensuring its continued relevance in a modern, tech-driven world.
The Lite Brite is still made and sold today! Pick up one with the same retro aesthetics here!
