Williston’s Landmark Pizza Hut, 1992

Every so often I get a VHS urge; I have boxes of old VHS video tapes that I’ve gotten from relatives, exes, rummage sales, and who-knows-where.  Many have no labels, and many aren’t what the label says, so I put them in my VCR and fast-forward to see if there’s anything interesting.  I’m always surprised at the obscure things that are already on YouTube, but for the most part I’m digitizing interesting and iconic commercials and posting them on my YouTube channel.   These two caught my eye — see if you can see what they’ve got in common:

These both aired in different slots during a 1992 episode of Jeopardy! — that time period was during the oil bust, but Williston was still the “big city” to a lot of communities in the Bakken and eastern Montana.

Apparently, though, it was still small enough that the best way to tell customers how to find you is based on the Pizza Hut’s location.   Of the two, I would have guessed furniture would outlive the fickle, ever-changing world of communications, but while Kotana is still around selling radios — still right behind the Pizza Hut! —   Thrift House Furniture is no longer on the map;  I Keating Furniture looks like they’re the current furniture shop two blocks west of Pizza Hut.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.

This Is Spinal Tape

This is Spinal Tap, a mock rockumentary. But This Is Spinal Tape, packing tape with real backbone. …Well, it’s illustrated with spinal cord, anyway. According to the reviews, it’s more decorative than structurally sound for packing up boxes.

this is spinal tape

Second Spin Sales

secondspin Starting today, and running until October 9th, 2015 (or supplies run out) Second Spin has sales on CDs and DVDs, $5 and $4, respectively.

Or, if you prefer the collectible and out of print stuff, use code FALL15 get 10% off until November 30, 2015.

Going Where Boys Dare To Go

Around here, we joke that I’m only allowed upstairs— which is a euphemism for the fact that maybe I shouldn’t go out in public much. Mainly because I get emotional. If I’m not easily amused (or even more easily confused), I’m infuriated. And pretty much all the emotions in between. Case in point, last weekend’s trip to the Mall Of America where I was amused by several of the displays at The Boys Adventure Store.

Perhaps mannequins with heads would be better used to sell camping — especially with the large bear looming behind them. I’m a mom. I worry about these things.

headless campers

I did learn something though: rabbits can survive in black holes.

bunny & black holes

As far as the shop itself goes, The Boys Adventure Store is a JMCremps creation, which means it has religious tones. Meh. Maybe that’s why they insist on marketing this as “for boys”.  But, yeah, why can’t this outdoorsy fun adventure stuff be for girls too?

In terms of shopping, the items are either for real little boys (toys to push, toys to ride on, and the like) or stuff that seems to leap light-years into adulthood. Teaching kids how to throw knives and tomahawks? (When I held that up in the store, my mom read it as “Kite Throwing” — that makes far more sense, I think.) If you have older kids, and kids you can trust and will supervise, then check out the shop and the official blog. (Admittedly, the blog is far more sane sounding.)

 

From Underpants & Lederhosen To Kilts

I still yearn to see Sir Oliver T. Puddington in lederhosen — but that doesn’t mean I am also not enthralled by the idea of seeing our Basset Hound in a kilt. Bonus points for being able to also get the other pets into the action, or portrait, as the case may be. Custom pet portraits by Fotos 2 Art.

custom dog cat pet portraits by fotos2art

pets in kilts custom portraits by fotos2art at etsy

“Don’t Act Like You’re Not Impressed”

While some are tired of the push for Anchorman 2, some of us are only too delighted to spot Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy “everywhere”. Tomorrow’s premier is still too long to wait, so I’ve gone looking for Ron and Anchorman goodies. You’ve probably heard of the Ron Burgundy underwear from Jockey (also available at Amazon), the scotch (not just any scotch, the Great Odin’s Raven Special Reserve), and Ben & Jerry’s Ron Burgundy’s Scotchy Scotch Scotch ice cream too; but here are some of my favorites.

The Ron Burgundy Wallet and Mustache Set is prefect for those of who love money and mustaches. (Who does that leave out? No one.)

Don't Act Like You're Not Impressed

This 13 inch talking doll action figure of Ron Burgundy says 10 phrases from the first Anchorman, The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

ron burgundy talking doll

Then there’s the Battle Ready Ron Burgundy doll action figure — don’t worry, additional Anchorman “Battle Ready” action figures, including Brick, Brian, and Champ are due from Beeline Creative in the coming months.

anchorman battle ready action figures from beeline

Unfortunately, no on seems to have made any Veronica Corningstone merch. That’s a damn shame. Some merch guys & toy makers must have gone on vacation with Tits McGee. I have at least a dozen ideas; so ping me.