What is American Airlines Airpass? How AA once offered a lifetime of flights for $250,000

"We thought originally it would be something that firms would buy for top employees...it soon became apparent the public was smarter than we were." Bob Crandall, American Airlines CEO & Chairman 1985-1998 The early 1980's were a time of difficulty for American Airlines. The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, a law that was arguably quite … Continue reading What is American Airlines Airpass? How AA once offered a lifetime of flights for $250,000 →

What is South of the Border? Visiting a tourist trap during a pandemic

For one reason or another, if you grew up or live on the east coast of the United States, you will likely someday find yourself driving on Interstate 95. Among the terrifying highway signs warning you of eternal damnation with the backing of Old Testament fire and brimstone, you will see the kitsch of a … Continue reading What is South of the Border? Visiting a tourist trap during a pandemic →

Verizon Says Goodbye to Ringback and Ringtones

What happened to the Verizon ringback tone? As if Millennials needed another reminder of our own aging, Verizon has announced full discontinuation of ringback tones and ringtones. The iconic tones shaped so many of us who were coming of age in the early to mid 2000's. The decision: what song do I want to play … Continue reading Verizon Says Goodbye to Ringback and Ringtones →

What happened to McDonald’s pizza? A history of McDonald’s Pizza and our journey to the last location still selling it

In the 1980's, McDonald's was on its long quest of fast food domination and thriving at it. A few years back, I watched The Founder starring Michael Keaton as Ray Croc, the brains behind the rapid expansion of McDonald's. The film really puts into perspective how the chain changed American, and global, dining habits forever. … Continue reading What happened to McDonald’s pizza? A history of McDonald’s Pizza and our journey to the last location still selling it →

What are ‘Marlboro Miles’?: A look back at the odd marketing of tobacco and outdoor living

In 1993, cigarette maker Marlboro rolled out the Marlboro Adventure Team which was essentially a tobacco tinged lifestyle brand that promoted campy outdoor activities via branded merchandise that could be obtained from a catalog with "Marlboro Miles". A trip down the rabbit hole reveals some pretty weird content like the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HWaI77IUlk Marlboro Adventure … Continue reading What are ‘Marlboro Miles’?: A look back at the odd marketing of tobacco and outdoor living →

Why are people still buying blank cassettes?

To be an effective online reseller, one must stay on top of trends of items that sell successfully. Knowing what to spot in a clearance section or thrift store is pivotal. In my over a decade of reselling, trends have shifted but what I have noticed recently is the success of nostalgia electronics. So any … Continue reading Why are people still buying blank cassettes? →