From Mr. Potato Head to Flushin’ Frenzy

In 1952 George Lerner designed a toy called Mr. Potato Head. Originally the toy consisted of several facial features, ears, and hats that could be pushed into a potato (or any other veggie really). I assume Lerner figured that even a poor family could spare one spud for decorating, it could also be eaten after.

Checkers: Harbinger of Summer

I have lived all of my 56 years on a street that borders a lovely park. On average I would imagine I have visited the park at least once a day. It plays a major role in my life. Smack in the centre of the park is a game area. After a couple of decades

A Short History of Montreal’s Anglo/Irish Pubs

Here’s a re-post of a popular piece on Montreal’s Anglo/Irish pubs. Just in time for St. Patrick’s day! To see the original post, including many comments from former employees and patrons click here. Back when I was young, during the mid-seventies,  it seemed Montreal was awash with Anglo/Irish Pubs. There’s still a good number of

Rerun: Montreal’s History of Anglo/Irish Pubs

They say that one of the signs you’re getting old is that you find yourself, more and more often, using phrases such as: When I was a boy/girl, Back when I was young, In my day, When I was a kid. Well, you get the idea. Rather than fight this tendency I’ve decided to embrace

Bralessness: Political Statements and my Gripe with Madonna

In the Spanish town of Valladolid, residents are calling on the mayor to resign. The mayor  made some stupid comments on radio regarding not trusting women. “”Imagine you get into a lift and there’s a girl trying to get it on with you. She gets in the lift with you, takes off her bra and

Spring Break Used to be Easter

They say that one of the signs you’re getting old is that you find yourself, more and more often, using phrases such as: When I was a boy/girl, Back when I was young, In my day, When I was a kid. Well, you get the idea. Rather than fight this tendency I’ve decided to embrace

The sacrilege of going back to school in August

August Blues indeed … “Will I get that marine-wannabe lunatic for phys ed?” “Will Mrs. So-and-so be sober this year?” “Is he back, I thought he had a breakdown?” Back when I was young the new school year started on the Tuesday after Labour Day. “Summer” consisted of those days between the last day of

Weekly Writing Challenge: I Remember

  This week’s Weekly Writing Challenge: I Remember calls upon bloggers to think back. Here’s a freestyle memory piece. I remember… … during the mid-seventies,  it seemed Montreal was awash with Anglo/Irish Pubs. There’s still a good number of them today including Hurley’s, McKibbin’s , The Irish Embassy and the Old Dublin to name but a

Daily Prompt:If I were a great lover of Puccini, would that make me a Fandom of the Opera?

Today’s Daily Prompt is Fandom. If I were a great lover of Puccini would that make me a Fandom of the Opera? But I digress … Back when I was young, the Montreal Canadiens hockey team was expected to win. It was a foregone conclusion in many Montrealer’s minds that the Canadiens would win. The

Back When I Was Young: Movie theatres were BYOF

Today’s Daily Prompt: Modern asks whether we are comfortable being citizens of the 21st century. From time to time I post about “Back when I was young”; this isn’t to say that I’m not comfortable in my current time and place, but I think many people (sadly not all) occasionally yearn for the time of