Category: 2010’s and beyond

So Easy… It Became a TV Show? The GEICO Cavemen Story

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Keeping with the caveman topic, here is one of those ideas that probably sounded better in a boardroom than it played out on TV…

Back in the mid-2000s, GEICO struck gold with their caveman commercials. The whole joke was simple: “So easy, a caveman could do it.” But instead of cavemen being dumb, they were actually smart, modern, and completely fed up with being the punchline. That dry, almost uncomfortable humor is what made those ads stick. You didn’t laugh at them, you kind of laughed at how relatable their annoyance was.

And like a lot of popular ad campaigns, it didn’t take long before someone thought, “Let’s turn this into a show.”

So in 2007, Cavemen hit primetime on ABC. The idea was to expand the joke into a full sitcom—cavemen living in modern society, dealing with jobs, dating, and social issues, all while navigating the stigma of that famous slogan.

The problem was, what worked in quick 30-second bursts didn’t really translate into full episodes. The commercials were funny because they were short, subtle, and a little awkward. Stretch that out to 20+ minutes, and suddenly the joke starts to wear thin.

The show also leaned more into the “social commentary” angle—basically treating the cavemen like a misunderstood group facing prejudice. Interesting idea, but it felt heavier than what people signed up for when they remembered those ads.

End result? The show didn’t last. It was canceled after just one season.

But here’s the funny part—while the TV show faded pretty quickly, the original caveman commercials are still remembered today. They’re one of those rare ads where people instantly know exactly what you’re talking about.

So yeah, a simple insurance slogan turned into a cultural moment… and then into a TV experiment that didn’t quite survive evolution.

A Visit to a Record Store 🎶 #Vinyl #RecordStore #Retro

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Remember the record store? Ten years ago, when people first rediscovered vinyl, I visited Merle’s Record Rack—and it continues to stand the test of time.

In an era dominated by streaming and digital playlists, few places have endured like Merle’s. Now celebrating its 60th year in business, the longtime Connecticut record shop continues to draw in music lovers from across generations—just as it did during its 50th anniversary.

Back then, during that milestone celebration, longtime owner Michael Papa summed up what keeps people coming back: service, experience, and discovery. “People still like service,” he said. “They still like to come into a store where they can get everything that they want for music.” That simple idea—walking into a place where music surrounds you—remains at the heart of the store’s appeal today.

For many customers, Merle’s is more than a store. It’s a “gold mine,” a place where browsing bins of vinyl can spark forgotten memories. Unlike online shopping, where you search for something specific, being inside the shop leads to unexpected finds. As one visitor put it, it “jars the mind,” bringing back albums and songs you hadn’t thought about in years.

That emotional connection is a big part of why vinyl has seen a resurgence. Papa noted that younger listeners are rediscovering analog sound for the first time, while longtime music fans are returning to it. The difference, he explained, is in how it feels to listen. “If you really want to sit down and hear music… the analog still sounds the greatest.” The warmth of a record, played start to finish, offers a different experience than skipping through tracks on a digital platform.

Beyond records, Merle’s has also become a destination for vintage audio equipment. The shop continues to refurbish and repair turntables, receivers, and stereo gear from decades past. Equipment built in the 60s through the 90s, Papa said, was “made to last,” and many customers are eager to bring those systems back to life.

What people come looking for varies widely. Some search for a specific song tied to a memory, others for music for a meaningful moment, and some simply want to explore. Papa described it as too broad to define—because music itself is deeply personal. One person may be searching for a song from their youth, another for something tied to a life event. The common thread is the connection.

That connection is what has carried Merle’s Record Rack through six decades. Hearing a song from the past, Papa explained, is like seeing an old friend again. “It brings you back to that era… to that day… to that person.”

Sixty years in, that experience hasn’t changed. And for many, that’s exactly why they keep coming back.

📍 Contact & Location

Address: 307 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT 06477
Phone: (203) 795-9033
Email: merlesrecordrck@yahoo.com

Johnny Mathis Announces Retirement: A Legendary Career Comes to a Close

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.

Thanks for the many years of magic!

You need add this to your collection if you are a Johnny Mathis fan!

Before He Was President: Volodymyr Zelensky’s Comedy Career

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Before he led Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky led a life full of laughter, satire, and entertainment!

Before stepping into politics, Zelensky was a household name in Ukraine—not as a politician, but as a comedian, actor, and TV star. From co-founding the legendary comedy troupe Kvartal 95 to starring in the hit series Servant of the People, where he played a schoolteacher who accidentally becomes president (talk about foreshadowing!), his career was full of surprises.

Sophia Perfume

Sophia is a Coty fragrance inspired by the famous Sophia Loren

an icon of style, femininity, grace, and elegance

The perfume was launched in 1981 as an oriental floral, with dominant notes of jasmine and rose.

The huge Sears network had an overall increase of 15% in all fragrance volume during October, the month of its launch in 1980.

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Max Headroom To Return

The co-creater of Halt and Catch Fire (great series!) Christopher Cantwell recently tweeted “I’m writing a new Max Headroom series for @AMC_TV” . Originally introduced in 1985 as the British TV movie Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into the Future. In short, Max was a fictional reporter fleeing enemies in a parking garage on a motorcycle that crashed through the structure’s warning sign that reads “Max. Headroom 2.3 meters. For an interesting, detailed report on Max Headroom’s history see this Youtube video.G

Max Headroom was an artificially intelligent character created by George Stone, Annabel Jankel, and Rocky Morton for Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. Advertised as computer-generated, Max Headroom was played by actor Matt Frewer while wearing prosthetic make-up and wearing a plastic molded suit. Harsh lighting while sitting in front of a blue screen, gave viewers the illusion of artificial intelligence that was not possible at the time.

Max Headroom was featured by HBO and Cinemax and also replaced Bill Cosby as the spokesman for New Coke. Ironically when Marty McFly went to the 80’s Cafe in Back To The Future II it featured an artificial intelligent portrayal of Michael Jackson and President Ronald Reagan here in this YouTube clip. But Back To The Future II sponsor this time was Pepsi!

I’m certain technology has caught up with the idea and can replace the actor but AMC said Matt Frewer will return as the host.

Here is a clip from Youtube from the 1986 Mox Headroom show featuring an interview with Howie Mandel (while he still had hair!) >

Actor Paul Sorvino Passes At 83

Actor Paul Sorvino, known for his roles in Goodfellas and Law and Order passed at the age of 83. His wife Dee Dee Sorvino said in a statement  “Our hearts are broken, there will never be another Paul Sorvino, he was the love of my life, and one of the greatest performers to ever grace the screen and stage.”

Another star from Good Fellas, Ray Liotta passed away two months ago at the age of 67.

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