A trip down Memory Lane

Remember when?

I found myself thinking about how things have changed over the years, and thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the people, events, and things that played a role in American pop culture during our lives.

How many items from this list do you remember?

1. You had to dial a telephone (above)
2. The world watched the first moon landing
3. Polaroid cameras meant no waiting for your photos
4. New York City had  two NFL teams
5. Before cable, most of us could only get three television stations
6. Pet Rocks were popular
7. Everyone wore Bell bottom pants
8. The once a year showing of the Wizard of Oz on television was a big deal
9. Calculators threatened to replace paper and pencil
10. TV dinners were heated in the oven
11. Wind up clocks lulled you to sleep (or kept you awake) with their tick-tock, tick-tock …
12. The S.S. Minnow set out for a 3-hour tour
13. Your could buy Sea Monkeys through the mail
14. Cassettes tapes replaced records
15. John Wayne was the hero of the west
16. Kids laced up PF Flyers sneakers
17. A drink at the drugstore soda fountains always tasted better
18. The Beach Boys sang about summer fun
19. The Gong Show offered talented and not-so-talented acts.
20. All pitchers in baseball batted before the designated hitter
21. Banana seats on bicycles were cool
22. Millions watched the Jerry Lewis Telethon every Labor Day weekend
23. The U.S. Bicentennial marked the nation’s 200th birthday
24. Soda came from vending machines in glass bottles
25. Klick-Klacks – loud and fun
26. What’s My Line? kept viewers guessing
27. Phil Donahue hosted a groundbreaking talk show
28. The world was stunned by the death of Elvis Presley
29. George Burns played God
30. The search for Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster was the rage
31. The Monkees offered an American version of The Beatles
32. Avocado green kitchen countertops were the latest style
33. The Le Car was certainly a conversation starter
34. ET, the Extra-Terrestrial set box office records
35. Al Capone’s vault came up empty
36. World Series day games meant no late nights for fans
37. And finally … The Flowbee promised a stylish haircut at home with no mess.

Your turn. What would you add to this list?

Letter to Washington: Let’s work together

Dear Elected Officials in Washington,
It’s time we have a long overdue talk. Americans are growing weary of the constant political cackling and lack of action as the nation faces many challenges, most notably the still-struggling economy.

I must confess a disdain for anything political, but I do vote and pay my share of taxes, so I guess that technically makes me your boss — one of many millions that you should be accountable to.

Additionally, as a long-time public relations professional, I can offer a few tips to help you navigate these choppy waters:

Listen to Mom
Remember the lessons your mother taught you about being polite, playing fair, and compromising? She was right. Can we put an end to the finger pointing and begin working together? The founding fathers had personality conflicts, but they were able to compromise and create a new nation. And did a pretty good job, too.

Look outward
It’s not about you, or your party. It’s about the American people — those who work hard to make a living, put food on the table for their family, and make a better life for their kids. And speaking of the next generation, let’s set an example for those who come after us. After all, they inherit what we leave behind.

Stand up for what’s right
Too many sound bites focus on what the other party is doing wrong. Is that really necessary? New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) raised the hackles of many Republicans when he expressed gratitude to President Obama for helping his storm-ravaged state after Superstorm Sandy tore through the region. Attacking the other party may generate better headlines, but in the long run, it’s counterproductive.

In closing, America needs its elected officials to step up to the plate and put the nation’s interest first. These are historic times, with great opportunity ahead. It would be a shame to let political posturing ruins that.

Please give that some thought. Either way, I’ll see you at the polls…

—————–

Okay readers, your thoughts?