For all you shoppers out there, this might not be a big surprise. It’s been a little while since I last visited, and I have to say, I was genuinely surprised. Right when you walk in, you’re greeted by an impressive display of TV sets.

Interestingly, one of my friends manages that department — he was there when I was checking out a 98“ TV that was priced at $2,500. Honestly, I found that quite astonishing. He immediately showed me another 100-inch set priced at $2,995. He laughed and said, “You know, that’s a pretty good buy.“ Interestingly, he’s the same guy who sold me a much smaller set years ago for just $300, and he was so excited about that deal. I moved on to the meat department.

I had the choice of a special on a Japanese Wagyu steak for $290 or a frozen pizza for $19; I took the pizza. Just as I was getting ready to check out, I saw a tremendous, exceptional bargain – 24 cans of Spam for $16. I snapped that up and called it a day.

We didn’t have a TV until I was around 13 or so, which surprisingly means I rarely watch TV these days, as I mentioned recently. But what we did have, and I really loved, was a device like this with a super selection of images. We only had one, so my sister and I would take turns viewing it, which was always a fun little adventure. It was wonderful because it didn’t need to be plugged in—perfect for the curious boy I was back then.

When I came across this online, I was curious to see how I did on the quiz. Without peeking or cheating, I managed to earn a score of 17 points. I especially enjoy orange soda, Creamsicles, and wax candy bottles (this was not a popular choice with everyone).

TANG and fruit cocktail were quite good, but I really don’t like fish sticks. Back then, Swanson’s TV dinners were okay, although everything on the tray kind of tasted the same. I’m curious—how did you do in the “points” challenge?

Often we all read something that seems too incredible to be true. The US Navy is decommissioning the USS Sioux City after only 5 years of service. Even worse, more ships of this class will be laid up after a similar 5 years of service. All nine ships of this class were built to serve for at least 25 years. This move is due to “design flaws” in the ship’s class.

This has to take the cake of all of the US Government’s missteps. The total amount spent on these ships amounts to $3.25 billion. The more I think about it, the more I wonder how much money is lost due to “design flaws.” Now you might ask yourself what will happen to these nearly new ships? “Upon decommissioning, the Navy said Sioux City would be sold to foreign militaries, and its crew would receive new assignments.” Maybe the US Navy will post them on Amazon.

This ad really made me laugh out loud. I remember how every kid would pester their mom to buy Twinkies. Honestly, the product wasn’t the best for our health, but with “body-building” vitamins, who could blame moms for giving in? I also have fond memories of the cupcakes—my sister loved the chocolate one, and I fancied the fake coconut cupcake. Ah well, if I were to eat either now, I know I’d be very, very sorry.

This is one of the most ridiculous ads ever published. I would love to see the ‘nationwide survey’ that provided the statistics convincing enough to make me rush out and buy one of the strongest cigarettes ever sold. Back in my day, if you were smoking a Camel, you were just a hair’s breadth from the cancer clinic. I guess that’s convenient, as there will be many doctors nearby who smoke.

Alright, everyone, here’s a fun sample from an adventurous ad agency! Yesterday, I spotted this shampoo in my usual big-box store, and I just had to pick it up after reading the label. Imagine yourself in the shower, trying out the product for the very first time. I lathered up, feeling excited and hopeful, looking forward to feeling refreshed and, hopefully, spending the whole day with that wonderful “marine & driftwood scent’ lingering in the air.

I’m happy to share that I haven’t been swept away by the driftwood, but I did end up buying the product. That means there’s a copywriter at the ad agency who must be pretty happy with their work!

Today, I went to the supermarket looking for sandwich bags, among other things. Since I grew up in an era when my mom wrapped everything in wax paper (I’d have to bring the empty sandwich wrap home), I was reminded of that era when I saw these on sale. I’d like to meet the team that created the slogan “Power Shield Technology.” For goodness’ sake, it’s a sandwich bag.