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
Wild & Crazy Kids was a popular Nickelodeon game show that aired from 1990 to 1992, totaling 65 episodes over three seasons. The show featured large teams of children competing in a variety of fun and often messy physical challenges, such as obstacle courses, water balloon fights, and relay races. These games were typically set in outdoor locations like parks and beaches, contributing to the show’s energetic and adventurous atmosphere. Wikipedia
The original hosts were Omar Gooding, Donnie Jeffcoat, and Annette Chavez. In the second and third seasons, Jessica Gaynes replaced Chavez. Wikipedia The show was known for its high-energy format and emphasis on teamwork and fun.
Wild & Crazy Kids was part of a wave of Nickelodeon game shows in the 1990s that emphasized interactive and physical play. It later aired in reruns on Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids (Nick GAS), a network dedicated to game shows and sports-related programming for children.
When PepsiCo acquired Mountain Dew in 1964, they pushed the brand nationally and leaned hard into its folksy, hillbilly image to appeal to rural and Southern audiences, which made for some pretty wild early TV spots. Hillbilly mascot: “Willy the Hillbilly” was the cartoon character used in the TV spots and on packaging. He wore a floppy hat, overalls, and had a shotgun. The early ads were animated and featured slapstick humor, lots of moonshine-like bottles popping open, and backwoods antics. They emphasized lines like “Ya-hoo! Mountain Dew!” and “It’ll tickle yore innards!” The ads had banjos, jugs with XXX labels (a moonshine reference), outhouses, and old-timey mountain settings. While the hillbilly theme was eventually phased out in the 1970s in favor of a more youth-oriented, high-energy image, those early ads helped Mountain Dew gain a loyal base. Today, the contrast between the hillbilly roots and the current “Do the Dew” extreme sports vibe is part of what makes Mountain Dew’s branding history so unique.
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🕰️ Timex: A Watch That Made History Founded in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company in Connecticut, Timex began by making affordable timepieces for everyday Americans. The brand reinvented itself in the 1940s with a sleek new name—Timex, a blend of “Time” and “Kleenex”—to match its modern, mass-produced watches known for durability and reliability.
But it wasn’t just engineering that made Timex a household name—it was television, and one unforgettable man.
🎙️ John Cameron Swayze, a former NBC news anchor turned enthusiastic pitchman, became the trusted face of Timex in the 1950s. He hosted live commercials that put the watches through outlandish “torture tests”: strapped to outboard motors, frozen in ice, dropped off buildings, even attached to a jackhammer. Time and time again, the watch survived, and Swayze would deliver the now-legendary line:
“It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
📺 That catchy slogan, born in a golden era of live TV and hard-sell advertising, helped Timex become one of the best-known and best-selling watch brands in the world. Even today, the phrase still echoes as a symbol of toughness and timeless style.
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?
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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.
