We had lunch at Olive Garden yesterday. When I paid with my credit card the server came back to our table explaining that their computers were down and I would have to use the old paper imprint method for the credit card. Then she went on to explain that it worked just like the electronic box you slide your card in and that I just had to sign the paper. Penny and I explained that we knew how it worked but because the server felt the need to explain I would guess that we are sufficiently away from the use of the paper that many young people would appreciate the guidance.
That got me to thinking about the people of my generation who keep posting other items that used to be in common use but may not be recognizable to those younger than 40 or so. Along with the posting is a statement like: if you know what this is like it and pass it on.
The pictures are of things like skate keys or ice cube trays or wax candy lips. I guess the sender gets some comfort from this remote connection with their age group. Sure it’s fun to remember that stuff but I don’t get what the “like if you know what this is” does for anyone.
Am I any better than someone who doesn’t remember buying baseball cards with bubble gum in the package? No. But things like that do surface fond memories and also a sense of loss. Maybe these folks posting their nostalgic items derive comfort in knowing there are others who have the same memories.
So what’s nostalgic to our children’s generation? Apple II computers? Chuckie Cheese? R.E.M.? E.T.? Cabbage Patch Kids?
All I know is I won’t be posting stuff like - on what show did Froggy pluck his magic twanger? – like if you know and pass it on!
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