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Archive for the ‘Nostalgia’ Category

Who is John Galt? Get Your T Shirt & Bumper Sticker Today

Posted by JE Jones on Mar-9-2010


Who is John Galt? Get Your T Shirt & Bumper Sticker Today

Who is John Galt? This is the opening line of Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged and throughout the book, this question is asked and that question is being asked again today when we could use a  John Galt. I read Atlas Shrugged many years ago and over those years, it has popped into my head hundreds of times. What’s funny is that I’ve begun seeing “Who is John Galt?” bumper stickers and t shirts popping up too.

Written in 1957, Atlas Shrugged asks the question “What if all the creative minds went on strike?” As socialism and socialistic ideas destroyed people and society, it stole people’s will to take care of themselves and turned them into users, always demanding more from those providing it. The individual capitalist, the businessman is used to support the rotten system but reviled and hated at the same time.  John Galt steps in and persuades the thinkers, the businessmen and the doers to just leave and let the system fall so they can step back in and rebuild it.

Ayn Rand grew up in Russia during the Revolution and saw the rise of Communism there. Her books, like Atlas Shrugged, the Fountainhead and We the Living, all grew out of her experiences and her belief in Capitolism. If you haven’t read Atlas Shrugged, I’d highly recommend it. See if you can find parallels to our life today.

The first time I saw a “Who is John Galt” bumper sticker, I couldn’t help thinking how relevant that question is today. My next thought was “I want a John Galt bumper sticker AND a John Galt t shirt.” Strangely enough, a good friend of mine sent me a link to the John Galt Gift Store.

This website offers John Galt t shirts, John Galt bumper stickers and anything John Galt, as well as memorabilia for other Ayn Rand books such as the Fountainhead and We the Living. You can get a Reardon Steel t shirt or a Howard Roark t shirt.

Reading all the quotes on the t shirts and bumper stickers, brought back memories of what I liked about Ayn Rand’s books. My daughter is an architect so she’s getting a Howard Roark t shirt that says, “The question is not who is going to let me, but who is going to stop me.”

If you remember John Galt, check out the John Galt Gift Store.

Posted in: Book Reviews, Boomer Living, Nostalgia, Shopping websites
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Nostalgic TV Shows - Donna Reed Christmas and More

Posted by JE Jones on Dec-22-2009


I used to love the Donna Reed show. Shelly Fabres was about 4 years older than I was and I wanted to be just like her. When she sang Johnny Angel, it was one of my favorite episodes. Since it’s the holiday season and nostalgic TV shows are on every list, I wanted to give you this link to The Donna Reed Christmas Show from 1960. You can watch this episode free on Retrovision.tv.

In this episode, Donna is tired of her family caring more for presents than the spirit of Christmas. We like to think things were different in “the old days” but were they really? I remember a similar old TV show from Father Knows Best in the 1950’s which dealt with the same Christmas theme.

Another nostalgic Christmas episode from an old TV show now on Retrovision is the Bewitched episode “A Vision of Sugar Plums” from 1962. This was the show’s first Christmas episode and stars Billy Mummy, along with Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York.

I love watching these old Christmas episodes at this time of year and make it one of my holiday traditions.

Posted in: 1950's TV Shows, Holidays, Nostalgia
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Nostalgic Christmas TV Shows - Watch Them Free on the Internet

Posted by JE Jones on Dec-8-2009

I love watching old TV shows and especially the holiday editions. Old shows didn’t used to routinely put out Christmas episodes like they do now so it’s terrific to see Ozzie and Harriet Christmas or Father Knows Best Christmas. You can watch these holiday episodes free on the internet on Retrovision.tv

Last year I subscribed to Retrovision’s newsletter and they send me emails with new shows they’ve added to their free viewing. Here are some nostalgic holiday episodes available:

Bob Hope Christmas in Korea from 1955 Comedian Bob Hope was known for his visits overseas to US military personnel. Here’s an episode from one of his holiday visits.

Ozzie and Harriet Busy Christmas from 1956. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet aired from 1952 to 1966 and this family show starring the real life Nelson family are often held up as the perfect family standards from the 1950’s. I watched this one nostalgic episode this morning and it was great! It’s very strange to see families talking about putting up lights and getting a tree just a few days before Christmas.

Lou Grant Christmas from 1978 - Ed Asner starred in the Lou Grant show, an off shoot of the Mary Tyler Moore Show.

A Sweathog Christmas from 1975 - This comedy starred Gab Kaplan as a high school teacher and it’s where John Travolta got his start!

Three Beverly Hillbillies Christmas Shows. These aired from 1962 to 1964. The Beverly Hillbillies, starring Buddy Epsen, aired from 1962 to 1971.

Daniel Boone, A Christmas Story - Daniel Boone, starring Fess Parker aired from 1964 to 1970.

Check out Retrovision.tv for more nostalgic Christmas TV shows and movies, like Jetson’s Christmas, Father Knows Best, Alf and lots more. Fun for the whole family.

Posted in: 1950's TV Shows, Cosmetic Dentistry, Joan's boomer blog, Nostalgia, Old Time Radio Shows
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Nostalgic Christmas Movies - Scrooge 1935

Posted by JE Jones on Dec-2-2009

I love old time, nostalgic movies and the 1935 version of the Christmas Classic, Scrooge, is as nostalgic as they come. Scrooge is based on the classic Charles Dicken’s novel, “A Christmas Carol” written in 1843 and published in December of that year. This 1935 movie, starring Seymour Hicks as the miserly Mr. Scrooge, and Donald Calthrop as the meek and mild Bob Cratchit, is available to watch free on Retrovision TV.

The 1935 version of Scrooge most closely resembles the Dickens story and somehow the dark and dreary “baa humbug” atmosphere of Mr. Scrooge’s story really comes across by watching it in stark black and white.

There are lots of newer versions of Scrooge around but the 1935 Scrooge will always be my favorite.

DVD’s of classic holiday movies make a wonderful Christmas gift, especially for the seniors in your life. This time of the year, I always love seeing holiday movies and two of my all time favorite old time holiday movies are White Christmas starring Bing Crosby and Christmas in Connecticut, starring Barbara Stanwick. These are a must see on my list each year. I gave copies to my mom one year and I know she watched them each December too.

Posted in: Classic Movies, Nostalgia, senior gift ideas
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Historic Recipes for the Holiday Season - Mock Mince Meat

Posted by JE Jones on Nov-17-2009

There is something about old family recipes that can evoke the holiday spirit like nothing else. My mom gave me an Iowa Farm Bureau cookbook published in the 1920’s (the front cover has been missing for years!) and the historic country recipes have always been a part of my family’s holiday. One especially nostalgic recipe my mom always made is this mock minced meat recipe.

One reason I love fixing mince meat for the holidays is that you don’t often see it anymore. I give it as a gift to seniors I know who appreciate a reminder of their own childhood holidays.

Old recipes are always short on directions as most cooks back then didn’t need them, I guess.

Mock Minced Meat Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup cold water
1-2 cups molasses
1-2 cups sugar
1-2 cups vinegar
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cinnamon
2-3 cups butter
1 cup raisins
1-2 cups fine crackers
1 egg
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt (optional)

Directions

Although the ingredients are as listed above, I chose to use about 1 and 1/2 cups of all the ingredients that say 1-2 cups.

Cook raisins in cold water. Add sugar, molasses, vinegar and then other ingredients.

Mix well and pour into a prepared baked crust.

If you put this in a 9×12 inch pan, you can cut it into squares.

Posted in: How To, Nostalgia, Recipes Nostalgic, senior gift ideas
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Holiday Gift Ideas are Easy to Find at Shop.com

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-25-2009
Find Holiday Gift Ideas at Shop.com

Find Holiday Gift Ideas at Shop.com

Need holiday gift ideas for spouses, kids and grandkids? I like to do my shopping all in one place if possible and for holiday gift shopping, I often turn to Shop.com Looking for the perfect gift idea for the cook on your list? Why not get an Oilless turkey fryer?

=”">Oilless Turkey Fryer from Shop.com

Oilless Turkey Fryer from Shop.com

Here in Texas, deepfried turkey is a holiday delicacy but cleaning up the oil can be a big mess. Where can you dispose of so much oil? That’s why, when I see this oilless turkey fryer, which uses infrared heat, I knew this was what my husband was getting for Christmas this year.

If you’re looking for nostalgic gifts for the baby boomers and seniors on your list, Shop.com has a great selection of nostalgic board games, nostalgic radio shows, and even an old fashioned hot dog cart!

My daughter also collects Barbie Dolls. She never really played with them, but rather saw them as an investment so each and every year, I look for the latest in collectible Barbies. This Wedgewood Collectible Barbie was one of her favorites. Shop.com has the 2009 holiday Barbie as well as other collectible Barbies.

For holiday gift shopping, I really like using SHOP.COM because it’s an easy-to-use online shopping comparison site. SHOP.COM basically does all the work for you by scouring the internet and working with nationally known stores to get the best deals and bring them to their customers. No matter what type of gift you’re looking for, whether it’s toys, clothing, housewares, electronics and more, they have it.

Join SHOP.COM on Facebook to find out about the latest coupons, free shipping offers, sweepstakes and exclusive sales.

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Posted in: Boomer News, Healthy Living Products, How To, Money Saving Ideas, Nostalgia, Old Time Radio Shows
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Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle Recipe

Posted by JE Jones on Oct-14-2009

Old fashioned blueberry buckle is one of those nostalgic, homey dessert recipes that takes me back to

crispy, homey blueberry buckle

crispy, homey blueberry buckle

my childhood. This recipe for Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle was my grandmother’s recipe. Try it warm and steamy from the oven with a topping of vanilla bean ice cream - better yet, make it homemade ice cream!

Ingredients

1/2 c shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 c butter
1 egg beaten
2 1/2 c sifted flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c milk
2 tsp lemon juice
2 c blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 c butter or margarine

Directions for Old Fashioned Blueberry Buckle

Cream shortening and 1/2 c sugar. Add egg and beat until light and fluffy.

Sift together 2 c flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture alternating with milk, stirring to blend.

Spread batter in a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.

In a separate mixing bowl, toss lemon juice with blueberries and then sprinkle them over batter.

Make a crumb topping with remaining 1/2 c flour, 1/2 c sugar and other ingredients and put on top of berries.

Bake this blueberry buckle at 350 for one hour or until done.

Serve warm with cream or whipped cream.

Delicious!

Posted in: Boomer Living, Nostalgia, Recipes Nostalgic
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Gift Ideas for Seniors - Yoga DVDs for Those Over 50

Posted by JE Jones on Sep-22-2009

A healthy gift idea for the baby boomer on your list is a yoga DVD put together especially for the over 50 crowd. I started out doing yoga years ago with Lilias Folan, who used to have an AM Yoga program on PBS. This AM and PM Workout for Seniors is terrific! It offers a complete routine to start and end the day and it’s gentle enough for those just starting out.

Regular use of the AM portion of the yoga workout for seniors will help to increase energy and vitality, increase flexibility and range of motion for joints, helps build a strong back and helps to clear the mind and improve balance. The PM portion is especially designed to help relax the body and promote sound sleep, as well as sooth tension held in the back, neck and shoulder muscles. It is also a wonderful total body stretch with helps increase flexibility.

After just a couple of weeks practicing this senior yoga, the body feels more relaxed, more balanced and more energetic.

Here are a couple more yoga DVD programs designed especially with seniors in mind.

offers gentle stretches to promote flexibility.

  • Candy you ate as a kid® Wax Lips, Candy Buttons, Wax Bottles, Candy Cigarettes and more fresh candies from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. This company sells lots of retro and nostalgic candy that will bring back lots of great memories for seniors on your gift list.


These great yoga gift ideas for seniors are all under $25. If you’d like to create a yoga gift basket, include a scented candle and an extra thick yoga matt. I switched to an extra thick matt and it made a wonderful difference in poses that required getting on my hands and knees.

With these yoga DVDs, it doesn’t matter if the gift recipient is a beginner at yoga or stretching. They were designed for the beginner in mind. Lilias also has other yoga DVD’s out as well for those who want a more extensive workout. Who knows? Your gift may be the start of a whole new healthy lifestyle for someone you love.

Posted in: Baby Boomer Health & Weight Loss Tips, Book Reviews, Boomer Living, Fitness After 50, Healthy Living, Healthy Living Products, Nostalgia, senior gift ideas
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Grandma’s Coconut Cake Recipe

Posted by JE Jones on Sep-14-2009

My Danish grandmother was a terrific cook up until her death at the age of 98. This 3 layer coconut cake recipe was one of her specialties for birthdays or holidays and it is delicious! It’s also large enough for a crowd.

Ingredients to Coconut Cake

1 yellow cake mix
1 package 4 oz instant pudding mix vanilla
1 1/3 c water
4 eggs
1/4 c oil
2 c coconut
1 c nuts

Directions for Coconut Cake

Mix all ingredients except coconut and nuts in mixing bowl. Beat for 4 minutes.

Add coconut and nuts and mix well.

Pour batter into 3 round, greased and floured 9 inch cake pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Coconut Cake Frosting

Ingredients

4 tsp margarine
1 8 oz package cream cheese
2 tsp milk
3 1/2 c powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 c coconut

Directions

Melt 2 tbs margarine in skillet. Add 1 cup coconut, stirring constantly. Cook until coconut turns golden brown.

Spread coconut on paper towel to cool.

Cream 2 tbs butter and softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.

Add milk and beat in sugar. Beat until sugar is dissolved. Blend in vanilla.

Spread frosting mix on top of cake layers and stack. Frost sides of cake.

Sprinkle toasted coconut on top.

Posted in: Nostalgia, Recipes Nostalgic
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Nostalgia - Spam is Popular Again in Rough Economy

Posted by JE Jones on Aug-14-2009

Sale of Spam Goes Up in Bad Economy

Something about Spam just makes me nostalgic. I have to admit I haven’t eaten Spam in years, but when I was a kid, growing up in the 50’s, we ate Spam all the time. Suddenly, Spam is popular again as people look for budget conscious ways to create a meal.

Here’s the scoop on Spam:

Workers at the Hormel Goods Spam factory have never been busier! Spam is a traditional money saving food and consumers are looking for ways to save money on food. Spam contains protein and can be used in various creative Spam recipes.

On a recent day, the Hormel plant in Austin, Minnesota turned out 149,950 cans of Spam! Workers say they’ve seen hard times but never anything like this demand for Spam. Spam was invented during the depression years and is made of ham, pork, sugar, salt, water and potato starch.

Since Spam is in a vacuum sealed can, it can last on the shelf without refrigeration for several years - good to know if you’re creating a “safe room” for a possible terrorist attack.

A 12 oz can costs about $2.40, which is a pretty cheap source of protein. Spam has also kept up with the times, creating many new flavors of Spam these days, like barbecued Spam, spicy Spam and Spam Lite.

I recently read too that sale of Beer is thriving in hard times. I guess if you have your Spam and a can of beer, the economy won’t seem so bad!

I also see the increase in Spam sales as a sign that even in a bad economy, someone thrives! Spam was invented during bad economic times and it’s still around today. I think one way to thrive in any economy is to fill a current need that people have.

Cost of Holiday Dinner Goes Up This Year

On a related budget food topic, I also read that our annual turkey dinner, serving 8 to 10 people, will cost 5/6% more this year because of higher energy and transportation costs. It costs an average of $44.61 for the typical 12 items purchased for the holiday dinner.

Still, I think there are going to be bargains out there. I paid 39 cents a pound for my turkey this year, available at Krogers with a $20 purchase. I remember when you had to purchase $50 or $75 worth of groceries to qualify for the budget priced turkey.

I always buy extra to put into the freezer as a way of budgeting for the coming months’ menus. 39 cents a pound for meat is a real savings!

Stay tuned for some great Spam recipes!

Posted in: Boomer Living, Boomer News, Money Saving Ideas, Nostalgia
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