Step Into The Cedar Rapids Time Machine

Warning! Reading this blog will expose you to a wave of unstoppable nostalgia which could be hazardous to your sanity...once you realize how quickly 20 years can pass on by you.

Don't believe me? Consider this: in September, Google turns 20 years old.

For those of you who remember the 1960's, I present to you: Creepy Crawlers.

The toy that was so dangerous it took years for them to figure out they should probably post some warnings on the box. The original included an unprotected electric hot plate and "non-toxic" liquid plastic goop. Call your lawyer and your insurance agent, in that order.

Those of you who came of age in the 1970's remember the Water Bed.

Chances are you "got lucky" at least once in a heated water bed. Want to rekindle that old romance, but not sure where you're going to find a water bed in Cedar Rapids? The showrooms at most mattress places have long given up on water bed displays, but you can still order a water bed online.

If you remember the 1980's and life without a cell phone, you may recall dialing the Time and Temperature Phone Lady.

Yes she is still out there getting it done, 24/7. But now she comes with her own commercial message. Because EVERYTHING is sponsored today. Call her for old times sake: (319) 366-7212

Finally, do you remember record stores?

Like Record Realm on 1st Ave? The Record Bar? Big Apple Records and Tapes? Relic Records, Omni Records. If those names ring a bell, it's likely you're retro-fitting your diamond stylus on the old turntable. Whether it's Seger, Sabbath or Sinatra, we salute you.

I hope you've enjoyed this brief side trip down your own nostalgic lane. We may each have a separate path we travel in life, but there are many parallels that let us know we are never traveling alone.