Nicki Elson's Not-So-Deep Thoughts

I've had a recurring 80s sighting during the last few weeks: I know what you're thinking. "But...that's the brand new 2012 Chevy Sonic . How could that be 80s?" Let me explain -- it came with with free satellite radio for three months.  So guess who's been cranking the 1st Wave...and taking pictures of her car radio...   Seriously, does it get any better than new car smell AND 80s new wave?   And now I get to answer some questions about myself after being tagged by The Armchair Squid (a while ago, I know, but "Better late than never" has become my new motto.) 1. What is your dream vacation? Hm, I'll say an extended stay in the Bavarian region of Germany.  Or maybe Tuscany.  Ooh, but what about Key West?  I reject this question - it's too hard. 2. Are you spontaneous or do you like to plan ahead? I'm a planner at heart, but I've become comfortable with winging it. 3. Tell us one thing you want to do but don't da...

Just when I was thinking I ought to do some sort of reminder post about the big Tumble 4 Ya blogfest this Friday, I got hit with another 80s sighting!  This morning the local news featured the No Limit Arcade in Algonquin, IL, featuring 80s arcade games: Pac Man, Frogger, Asteroids, TRON, Space Invaders, Ms. Pac Man, Robotron...and I'm sure I'll suck at them just as much now as I did then.  What's especially cool though is that the teens are digging the retro video games too.  My 14 year old can't wait to go---but he's holding out for verification on Donkey Kong. Here's a graphic from the No Limit Arcade website to get you into 80s mode while you write up your post telling us all about your 80s Celebrity Crush for the Tumble 4 Ya fest on Friday (sign-up is conveniently below if you still need to do that).  I'm totally pumped, stoked & psyched to see who y'all pick. Look at all these 80s babes we're going to get to look at! THIS FRIDAY, ...

On Chuck vs. the Goodbye: The set-up:  Under General Beckman's chair is a bomb set to go off as soon as the music stops...and the symphony's about to end. To the rescue: Jeffster (a rock band comprising Jeff and Lester, two disturbing nerds who work at the Buy More).   Of all the day-saving, climax-worthy songs they could've chosen to belt out at this most crucial moment---the final mission by NBC's Team Bartowski after 5 seasons ---Jeffster chose....  Rock on, Jeffster. If that got you jonesing for the 80s, might I suggest you take a gander at the Tumble 4 Ya blogfest ?  Much thanks to everyone who's already joined!  I can't wait to see everyone's choices.

With my children now teenagers, it appears I'm woefully uninformed on what's currently hot in Toddler Pop Culture. So how surprised was I to walk into my niece's third birthday party this weekend and find the place decked out in that sweetie from the 80s---Strawberry Shortcake! To be honest, I probably would've been oblivious to the fruit-themed confection throughout the 80s too if I hadn't had a younger sister who was way into her.  My only personal memory of the Fraulein of Fraises is a vague recollection of one of my sister's dolls smelling like blueberries.   Anyhow, she's baaaack---with a few choice updates, like trading in the Laura Ingalls look for a snappy mini-dress, poufy newsboy cap, and sassy mary-janes, and losing the stubby red yarn in favor of lucious pink waves.  Does the strawberry princess hold a special place in your memories? Have you spotted her anywhere while you've been out & about lately? What do you think of her makeo...