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Pop Culture or Just Tragic?

February 29th 2008 00:32
Let me paint a picture for you of our ‘family room’.

In one corner is an icon of my childhood – the pinball machine. Not the digital variety mind you – but one complete with reels that emit that wonderful – chink . . chink . . .chink, chink chink sound when the score rolls over and over and over.

Complete with flashing lights, silver ball and bakelite flippers – it greets guests almost surreptitiously, yet beckons (using its magnetic charms) visitors to engage it in friendly, if not retro combat.


Opposite stands its comrade – the jukebox.

An oldie but a goodie. With 100 pieces of interchangeable classic pieces of black vinyl which have had three-year-olds to 70-year-olds up and on our ‘dancefloor’ with nigh a complaint from the neighbours – who usually are part and parcel of the party mix.

The juke’s ‘man servant’ – the bubblegum machine stands erect and proud adjacent to its more ebullient master – happy just to play second fiddle yet still delight those who choose to indulge.

Taking note of all the comings and goings are the faces we’ve had chance to either meet or have breezed through our lives.

From Chubby Checker and Mick Jagger, to Meatloaf, Rod Stewart and Ringo Starr their patronage acts as a warm sentinel when guests are few – their faces add to the atmosphere when the revelry is ‘Hollywood’ in proportion.


Of course we shouldn’t leave out the Coke machine – which having been rescued from dire consequences – now regails in the knowledge that it will be forever stocked and regularly visited by the children of the children who first embraced its charms over 40 years ago.

When people these days (my kids included) talk about just how cool myspace is – I have a different spin on it . . . or perhaps I’m just a tragic?

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14 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Rosemary

February 29th 2008 02:06
Definitely cool. I would be very content in your family room on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

You don't happen to have one of those sit in simulators playing Astro Canyon Coaster do you...? Wonderful stuff. Cheers.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

February 29th 2008 02:10
Hey Rosemary

No such luck - but at least there appears to be either two very cool people out there or two very tragic people

I prefer to consider us the former.

Thanks for stopping by
MNG

Comment by Miswanderlust

February 29th 2008 02:20
MNG
My grandad used to be a Wulitzer Juke box dealer! What a small world! Your family room sounds way cool! MNG crew is very fortunate indeed!
Mis

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

February 29th 2008 02:25
Mis

Really!

You must have a few memories to boot!

Have to admit - the 'house' juke is a Rowe/AMI - the garage juke (yep there's one out there too for when the boys come around) is a Seeberg.

. . . and thanks - I think it's pretty damned cool too.

Haven't had any complaints yet.

Four weeks to go

MNG

Comment by Ginger

February 29th 2008 06:53
Hi MNG
WOW!!! When can I come around and relive my teen years.
Ginger

Comment by Michaelie

February 29th 2008 13:32
MNG,

Your family room is way cooler than myspace. WAY.

Mich

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

February 29th 2008 18:23
Ginger

The door is always open and friends (old and new) are priceless.

Cheers

MNG

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

February 29th 2008 18:26
Mich

Thanks.

I like to think its a little slice of fun that everyone can enjoy - myself included.

Thanks for stopping by

MNG

Comment by Cibbuano

March 1st 2008 00:48
MNG, I'm down with the internet and all this social networking thing, but when it comes to retro-treats, I LOVE the jukebox/pinball room. Why not?

Besides, I have a weakness for the sound of vinyl.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

March 1st 2008 02:02
Cib

It's an escape my friend - and heaven's knows we all need somewhere to escape every now and then - huh?

Thanks buddy

MNG

Comment by What's Your Story?

March 1st 2008 08:07
Can I come over? I'll bring cupcakes! I sure would love a pinball tournament!

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

March 1st 2008 20:17
WYS

We'll listen to Pinball Wizard on the juke as well - huh?



MNG

Comment by Anonymous

March 2nd 2008 00:17
Hi MNG,

Certainly tragic... that's coming from a middle-aged lady who visits the local vido arcade once a month to play ... wait for it ... a pinball machine, ((laughs)) and I can still make it pop a few times too, even on today's 'challanges' *chuckle* My favourite being Star Wars atm ... I wasn't the 1978 pinball champion for nothing... and your family room sounds...well? Like a little slice of Heaven ... I've always wanted to own one but never had the space ... I'd love to give you a 'test run' one day *wink* bet I could whoop yo ass.

Lilla ...


I cannot leave comments on my login for some strange reason and so am slinking the halls of anonyminity for a while, it seems - sorry for the low point score... I am waiting on admin to 'fix.'

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

March 9th 2008 09:19
Lilla

Yep - heaven on a stick.

In fact I sometimes take it all for granted - and the kids don't even give the 'pinny' a second glance these days.

But when guests arrive - their eyes light up brighter than the bumpers and the backboard.

Hope you're back on line soon.

Cheers

MNG

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