How old is Grandpa?

**Caradoc** · 6th July 06, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Kilted KT

I don't even have to go back that far...and I'm only 30...

I'm 35, and I can remember seeing the signs at the grocery store and the bank when I was very young that read, "PLEASE CHECK YOUR SIDEARM WITH THE MANAGER."

Phoenix was still fairly agrarian then, and on the outskirts you'd see guys in boots and jeans walking bowlegged after being on horseback all day, and wearing their guns - which got used on a regular basis for coyote, snake, javelina, and two-legged rats out to steal cattle.

These days, the sidearms aren't all that common, but a lot of people still carry a folding knife (whether on their person, or in their car).

In some areas, if one's car breaks down on one of the state highways, it could be as much as a week before another car comes through. Carrying water and a good knife is not just a good idea if you're off the beaten path - it's a necessity.

I got my first CD player for graduation from high school.

I do remember selling some of the first Motorola "cellular" phones while I was doing my stint at Radio Shack, though. The things were called "bricks" for good reason. A woman brought one in once to get the antenna replaced after breaking a would-be mugger's jaw with it. It worked fine once we replaced the antenna. She hadn't even remembered the phone was in her purse when she swung it at him.

**Kilted KT** · 6th July 06, 01:23 PM

I remember up into my teens listening to music on records, both LP's and 45's...and the first remote I had for the TV was a big box with a button for each channel, and a big cable running to the television.

**Caradoc** · 6th July 06, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by Kilted KT

I remember up into my teens listening to music on records, both LP's and 45's...and the first remote I had for the TV was a big box with a button for each channel, and a big cable running to the television.

The first remote control I can recall on one of my parents' TVs was a two-button gadget with two tuned rods in it. You'd push the button, and a spring-loaded clapper would hit the rod, and depending on the frequency it would change the channel up or change the volume up, until it hit maximum and cycled back down to minimum.

**Kilted KT** · 6th July 06, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Caradoc

The first remote control I can recall on one of my parents' TVs was a two-button gadget with two tuned rods in it. You'd push the button, and a spring-loaded clapper would hit the rod, and depending on the frequency it would change the channel up or change the volume up, until it hit maximum and cycled back down to minimum.

you got me there...

**Colin** · 6th July 06, 01:51 PM

I remember people smoking in restaurants, shopping malls, and even airplanes.

My first walkman was made out of metal and is likely still working, while the dozen or so I have had sense are in the trash heap.

Our TV didn't have a remote, and our first VCR was the give away for that 1980 malibu my Dad bought.

I remember when you could have a fire on the beach and a glass of wine with a picnic.

I remember when stories were how you heard about things, and the News only came on in the morning and at 6 pm (not all day).

I remember when family members had more sway in a person's decision than a celebrity did.

I remeber when Big Wheels were for kids and not monster trucks, and A&W burgers were as big as my head.

and I am only 29

**Kilted KT** · 6th July 06, 01:53 PM

the first "boom boxes" were just being sold...and breakdancing was a cool new thing...

and piling into the car and going to the drive-in was the fun thing to do...