Fourth Grade Nothing

Code Red '80s Show with Adam Rich

2013-06-11T12:37:00.000-04:00

ABC show, Code Red in 1981

As a little girl, I was a big fan of shows about cops and doctors. I'd often tune in to adult-focused shows like Quincy, CHiPs and Code Red, a show about a family of LA firefighters staring Lorne Greene and foxy Andrew Stevens. I was only about 9 at the time, so my personal crush was on early '80s child actor Adam Rich (of Eight is Enough fame) who had a small role on the show. According to Wikipedia, only 19 original episodes aired on ABC between 1981-1982, however for whatever reason I still remember watching this show. Because of its short run, I doubt we'll ever see it in reruns.

Adam Rich from Code Red

Anyone remember this show, Code Red?

Remember Tootsie Roll Banks?

2013-05-22T14:10:00.002-04:00

Tootsie Roll Bank

The other day, I had a weird random flashback. I remembered having a Tootsie Roll bank as a kid. Did you? Typically, I would receive them as gifts for Christmas or Easter and they'd come filled with small bite- sized individually wrapped Tootsie Rolls. Once you were done eating the Tootsie Rolls candies, you had a cool bank to save up for more Tootsie Rolls.

Did you know you can still purchase these? Although the art has changed, they still exist at dollar stores and on Amazon.

Changing Your Name & Handwriting Makes You Cooler

2013-05-07T12:37:00.001-04:00

Ever change your handwriting or name as a kid?
As if it would make you any cooler...

Every time I visit Starbucks, I give them a different name. Sometimes I give them my middle name, other times I give them my husband's name (if he's with me) ... There's just something I don't like about them yelling out my name when my nonfat Latte is ready. Plus, they often get my name wrong, so why give them my real name if they'll just call me Sally, Amy or Haley instead?

So today, I told the Starbucks' chick that my name was "A.J." and it brought me back to 7th grade. No, not because of A.J. Slater from Saved By The Bell, but because I was a nerd who spent a week trying to become a different person. I thought "A.J." sounded better than my real name. I figured if I took my first initial and middle name initial, it would make me some super cool chick. It obviously never stuck and looking back, it's silly.

I posted today's Starbucks incident on my personal Facebook page adding that it brought me back to junior high. People agreed that as kids, there's usually a time when we want to become someone different. Many said they tried using different handwriting. I totally did that!

Did you try to get a new nickname to stick or alter your handwriting in anyway? Post it below. It'll be nice to know I wasn't that strange of a kid.

Winner!

2013-04-22T14:58:00.003-04:00

The winner of the 80stees.com t-shirt contest is KT!

We had 20 entries and out of 20. The lucky random number, chosen by Random.org was number 15.

KT was the 15th reader to comment with, "I love the "What's a Happenin' a Hot Stuff" t-shirt! Long Duck Dong is a classic."

Check out the cool shirt KT has won! Enjoy KT and thank you to everyone who entered. Please check back for more awesome '80s contests.

Enter To Win Your Favorite ‘80s Tee!

2013-04-08T21:12:00.000-04:00

Enter to win a cool
tee from 80sTees.com

If you’re like me and love everything ‘80s, you have to check out 80sTees.com. Choose from your favorite ‘80s movies, music, TV shows, toys, and more. Whether you’re a fan of the truly outrageous JEM, The Goonies (they even have a replica of Chunk’s famous Hawaiian shirt!), Atari, and more … the cool kids at ‘80s Tees have something for you.

Awesome selection of
retro shirts and costumes

In fact, to show you just how cool they are, they’d like to give one Fourth Grade Nothing follower the shirt of their choice! One winner will be selected on Monday, April 22 using a random number generator – you can only enter once (duplicate entries will be deleted.) The winner will be allowed to select one item from the 80sTees.com site totaling a maximum of $30.

How to Enter:

Become a follower of this blog.
Like FourthGradeNothing on Facebook.
Like 80sTees on Facebook.
In the comment section, please leave a comment including your favorite 80sTees.com t-shirt and your email address (so I can contact you if you win!)

Feel free to email me with questions.

Good luck and thanks for entering.

Fresh 'N Fancy | Make Your Own Cosmetics Kit

2013-03-21T16:22:00.000-04:00

Fresh 'n Fancy let you make your own
cosmetics.

A reader sent me a super nice email the other day. I love when that happens. Anyway, she mentioned a toy I completely forgot about. It was from Hasbro and called FRESH 'N FANCY (Fresh and Fancy). Fresh 'N Fancy let girls create their own perfume fragrance and cosmetics.

Can you imagine, a "create your own perfume and makeup set" as a little girl? I think I received this as a Christmas gift way back in the days. Based on the trademark info I found online, the toy came out around 1981 and was gone by 1988.

Does anyone remember this make your own perfume toy from the '80s?

WINNER! Book Giveaway! AFTER DAKOTA by Kevin Sharp

2013-02-28T08:19:00.004-05:00

We have a winner! Random.org choose #3, amgor863, but of course, no email address for you. Hope you see this and contact me so I can send you this awesome book!

Win Kevin' Sharp's novel,
After Dakota

Hey '80s kids! We have another awesome book giveaway for you. This one is called After Dakota and it's by a totally cool author named Kevin Sharp. First off, I'd like to point out that Kevin is a high school English teacher, which is what I wanted to be for a long time. Instead I ended up writing ad copy (where grammar isn't a priority) and bios for fourth graders about Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. In other words, I have much respect for this writer.

After Dakota takes place during my second favorite year, 1983, 1982 was my truly favorite year. The story follows three friends, Cameron, Bryce and Claire as they grapple with the loss of their friend, Dakota who vanishes in a plane crash. I don't wanna give away too much, so you'll just have to order Kevin Sharp's book here through Amazon (also available for just $2.99 via Kindle) or try to win it here at FourthGradeNothing.com.

To enter, just leave a comment along with an email address so I can contact you if you win. One winner will be chosen randomly on March 10.

The Super Bowl Shuffle Chicago Bears

2013-02-03T14:05:00.002-05:00

The Super Bowl Shuffle was so cool in 1985.

I have never cared for sports, especially football.

In 1985, I loved "The Super Bowl Shuffle" rap song and video performed by the Chicago Bears. I think at age 13, for a hot second, I was a football fan!

I loved Refrigerator Perry and Jim McMahon.

WINNER!

2013-01-29T08:23:00.003-05:00

You Won! Now I need your contact info!

I've used a randomizer type website to pick the winner from the list of entries. The winner of Amy's Valley Girl Childhood in the 80's was Janki, however I do not have your email address Janki. If I do not hear from Janki by Friday, I will select another winner.

Cool Book Alert! Valley Girl Childhood in the 80's

2013-01-20T20:19:00.000-05:00

WIN THIS BOOK!

Amy Asbury's '80s book is totally awesome --
make it yours today!

Although Valley Girl Childhood in the 80's author, Amy Asbury and I grew up on different coasts, her California dreamin' childhood memories are so similar to my own. It's freaky!

If you're a fan of the the 80's, you'll fer sher enjoy these 195 pages of pure 1980's pop culture. Peppered with actual drawings and photos from Amy's childhood, you'll honestly feel as if you're reading your BFF's diary from back in the day. Relive classic 80's memories from Shrinky Dinks to Cabbage Patch Kids to music like Madonna and perfumes like Jean Nate.

Amy was kind enough to give Fourth Grade Nothing an extra copy of her book. To win this, just leave a comment. One person will randomly be selected. One winner will be chosen at random on 1/28. For now, please click here to learn more about her totally 80's experience.

Be sure to include your email address so I can contact the winner!

'70s Clown with Balloons Lamp and Nightlight

2013-01-08T08:42:00.003-05:00

1970s clown nightlight and lamp
with dog and balloons

Confession time. I've always been afraid of the dark. When we stay in hotels, I keep the bathroom light on. Every night, we sleep with the TV on without the volume. Our home is filled with nightlights.

I had a favorite nightlight back in the 1970s. It was actually a lamp. There was a cute wooden clown holding a red plastic cane and huge colorful balloons. The clown also had a little dog. Both figures had their arms outstretched. The balloons would light up as a lamp and at night you could switch the nightlight on. The nightlight was his "Balloons 10 cents" stand. I loved this lamp.

Did anyone else have the clown with balloons children's lamp and nightlight as a kid back in the 1970s? My cousin had one in the 1980s as well.

Old School No Frills Brand

2013-01-02T13:55:00.003-05:00

Pathmark supermarket No Frills brand.

Growing up on Long Island in the 1980s, Pathmark was our grocery store. For some reason, I remember being oddly attracted to the No Frills brand. No Frills was their line of less expensive, no-nonsense generic foods, beverages, paper goods, toiletries, etc.

No Frills brand from Pathmark

I was mystified by the design because no matter what the item, it was always packaged in white with black lines or lettering. Seriously, no matter if it was chips or fake Country Time lemonade ... you could find it in white paper, tin or cans with simplistic lettering and nonexistent design.

We've come a long way since those days ... Today we refer to these items as, "store brands" and they don't look as dull.

Four Out of Five Dentists Recommend Trident

2012-12-19T16:54:00.002-05:00

As a kid growing up in the 1980s, this popular Trident Sugarless Gum slogan was often joked about ... "Four out of five dentists recommend Trident to their patients who chew gum." It's one of those phrases you never forget. Sort of like, "Oh what a feeling, Toyota!"

Ironically, in my adult life I worked for an advertising agency and Trident (Cadbury) was our client. Funny, right?

Too young to remember this terrifically memorable campaign? Please watch this commercial with Peggy Fleming from 1981.

Skidz Pants | 80s Baggy Pants

2012-12-11T14:45:00.001-05:00

Skidz were popular baggy pants back in the '80s.

Skidz (pronounced Skids) were baggy, pajama like comfy cotton pants that were almost like the pants version of Jams (shorts). Often cuffed or folded at the bottom, Skidz were extremely popular with white Keds or slip-on style sneakers. They came in a variety of prints and pasterns and featured a yellow and black logo showing a vehicle skidding. These soft, baggy pants were available at most malls all over America.

Skidz pants were loved by most high school kids throughout the late 1980s and faded out by about 1990.

Skidz pants went well with big hair and
were loved by '80s guidos or mall girls.

Rainbow Belts from the '70s and '80s

2012-12-06T15:41:00.000-05:00

Remember Rainbow Belts?

When I was a kid growing up in the late 1970s and early 1980s, everyone loved rainbow belts. They were just the coolest. Mork from Mork & Mindy wore rainbow suspenders and we girls wore colorful rainbow belts with metal buckles and sometimes gold brass buckles.

Rainbow Smurf Belt

Fancy girls had rainbow belts with Smurf buckles or other characters on them. I can't recall if I was that lucky and stylish.

Do you remember rainbow belts? Did you have one back in the day?

Sears Holiday Wish Book Catalog 1980s

2012-11-30T08:17:00.002-05:00

Sears Wish Book 1980s Holiday Catalog

I found many holiday books to be extremely enjoyable back in the 1980s. However, at a young age, this was by far my most favorite reading material for several Christmas seasons. Filled with awesome Barbies, doll houses, even adorable pajamas, the Sears Wish Book catalog was every kid's favorite.

How about you? Were you a fan of the Sears catalog?

What's Happening!! Roger, Rerun & Dwayne!

2012-11-27T08:28:00.002-05:00

What's Happening!!

Growing up in the early 1980s, I loved the show What's Happening!! Loosely based on Cooley High, a movie focused around an urban Chicago high school in 1975, What's Happening!! was a situation comedy centered around three high school friends. Roger (Ernest Lee Thomas), Rerun (Fred Berry) and Dwayne (Heywood Nelson) kept audiences entertained with their quick wit and fun personalities.

The guys often hung out at a local luncheonette, Rob's Place, where they hassled chubby, hilarious waitress, Shirley (Shirley Hemphill). Shirley didn't take any nonsense from the boys while she served up burgers, fries and shakes. Shirley took more of the spotlight later on in the series when she moved in to Roger's home to help keep an eye on Dee.

The ABC show aired between August 1976 to April 1979, though I was watching reruns (no pun intended). I loved the show What's Happening!! did you?

Sony Sports Walkman - Best 80s Radio Ever

2012-10-30T12:53:00.006-04:00

I loved my SONY Sports WALKMAN

There were two things I loved the most in high school. Music from bands like The Smiths and Depeche Mode and my Sony Sports Walkman.

The Sony Sports Walkman was splash proof, so it was perfect for the beach and pool. It was yellow, which made it stand out and appear fashionable. It as somewhat of a fashion accessory to be honest. There was a heftier price tag attached to it, so it let others know you weren't skimping on your technology.

I loved the way the side opened and closed. It was unlike the usual portable music players I had ever owned before. I also remember slapping a Smiths sticker on my Sony Sports Walkman alerting others of my impeccable taste in music.

Did you have one? If so, did you love it?

Sea Breeze - Beautiful Skin Can Be A Breeze

2012-10-17T15:04:00.004-04:00

Beautiful skin can be a breeze with Sea Breeze!

Back in the 1980s, I swore by Sea Breeze face cleanser. I loved the cool, crisp, clean sensation I got from using Sea Breeze. I'd apply a cotton ball with Sea Breeze to my face and neck after my shower in the morning and before bedtime in the evening. It felt magical. My face would tingle and smell so clean.

Thoughts of my youth rush back to me every time I get my eyebrows waxed at the salon. Why? Because they clean my brows with Sea Breeze. Originally developed in 1906 as an antiseptic for minor cuts and scratches, the brand was killed around 2003, then came back in 2010.

Remember the classic commercials and "Beautiful skin can be a breeze with Sea Breeze" jingle from the 1980s? Check it out here:

Whoopee Cushion Fun

2012-10-16T13:47:00.003-04:00

Whoopee Cushion Fun

There was a time in my childhood that I became obsessed with these practical joke items. You know, like hand buzzers, soap that makes your hands dirty, fake plastic poop, and of course the infamous Whoopee Cushion or Woopie Cushion. There was something about these vintage treats that really caught my eye. I liked their simple packaging. These immature gag items were also perfectly priced for a kid on an allowance.

I'd bring a different prank item to school with me to share with the other kids. Whether it was a fake ice cube with a plastic fly in it or itching powder that didn't really make me itch for some reason, I just had to have it. Though all of the gag trinkets were fun, the Whoopee Cushion held a special place in my heart. Who could

resist the sound of toots?

It was such a riot to place this ridiculous rubbery balloon-like thing on someone's chair at school and have them plop down on it. Everyone always knew it was there. It was never an actual surprise or prank. Yet it always made us laugh. My husband dressed up in a pre-fab Whoopee Cushion costume one Halloween. Sorry I'm not allowed to share that photo here.

Here's one I found on the Internet for you -- NOT MY HUSBAND!

Woopie Cushion Costume

Stove Top Stuffing Retro Commercial

2012-10-09T21:33:00.001-04:00

I'm always in the mood for Stove Top

I'd like to know if your mom served Stove Top stuffing on an average Thursday night for dinner. Why? My mom never did. Stuffing was a holiday side dish. Commercials showing happy homemaking mothers unveiling boxes of easy-to-make Stove Top stuffing quite frankly made me jealous.

I realize stuffing, especially Stove Top, isn't the healthiest side dish for today's carb-conscience folks, but I can't help but wonder if others consumed such deliciousness off-season. Do you, as a mom, serve your kids stuffing throughout the year? Please let me know...

I had to share this 1980 Stove Top TV commercial with you. Remember this one? Always thought it was cute.

Girl Talk Book - 1980s

2012-10-08T14:25:00.004-04:00

I loved this book, Girl Talk, in the early 1980s.

When I was a preteen, I adored a book written by Molly Douglas called Girl Talk. Published by Weekly Reader in 1981, Girl Talk was, "A Guide to Beauty, Fashion and Health" and included important hygiene, fashion and beauty tips, drawings and information for young girls.

I especially enjoyed the black and white drawings -- the book became my girl bible and I brought it to sleepovers and camp to share the info I learned with other girls my age.

Does anyone remember this gem? Someone was selling it on Etsy for $3.50. Click the link to view details about Girl Talk.

Coleco Tabletop Pac-man Game

2012-09-30T22:47:00.001-04:00

In 1982, this Pac-man game was the coolest toy around ... It was like a mini arcade version of Pac-man. Created by Coleco, this small tabletop game was awesome. Although I never had one, I sure wanted one. I wasn't super spoiled and had Atari so that had to suffice.

Did anyone out there own this? I've thought about getting it on eBay, but nothing beats the full-sized arcade Pac-man.

The Meanest Teacher Ever ...

2012-09-10T13:42:00.004-04:00

Who was your meanest teacher ever?

We've all experienced it at some point in our lives ... The meanest teacher ever. Think back, maybe you'll recall a grammar school teacher who made every day a living hell. Maybe it was a high school teacher that had it out for you ... each day more torturous than the last.

For me, it was third grade. We'll call her Mrs. Jones. She was a total hideously scary beast. Please forgive me for being 100% candid here, but she really was one sick, ugly, old broad. Lucky for me, my folks yanked me out of that hellish classroom and transferred me to private school before Thanksgiving. But the pain I endured for the first few weeks of third grade, truly were unbearable.

Every once in a while, I forget about it... Then something happens and the feelings of insecurity and worthlessness come back. And to think, this was just a teacher. It makes me cringe thinking about kids who may have lived with parents who made them feel this way. I was lucky, I only had like two rough months of adult vs. child bullying.

Making my classmates clap if I finally got a math problem correct. Making me position my desk next to her desk so that I was physically facing the class for weeks and weeks. Each day she'd tease me, taunting that if I was good, maybe I'd be able to sit back with the rest of the class. That never happened. I don't know what prompted such treatment. Was I was caught whispering or passing a note to another student? I was an upbeat, fun-loving kid. She broke me. She broke my spirit. She made me feel stupid.

As the child of two teachers, I was taught to always be mindful of the other students and treat teachers with respect. I didn't think to say anything back or tell another teacher. How could I win against the ruler of the class?

It wasn't until my mother was forced to sit alongside Mrs. Jones isolated from the other parents, facing them throughout an entire Parent-Teacher night, that she realized what was going on. It was then that she understood that my morning stomach aches were more mental than physical. It was at that moment, she knew why on Sunday nights I cried in bed and dreaded waking up on Monday mornings. I would have welcomed a natural disaster every day over having to drag ass into that classroom awaiting the doom of Mrs. Jones.

Years later, somehow, people found out that Mrs. Jones had a drinking problem. I'm not sure how they discovered this scandalous bit of info ... Perhaps Mrs. Jones was suspended? I'm not quite certain, but one thing was confirmed... She was a mean, horrible, angry drunk who took her evils out on small children.

A former classmate of mine found me on Facebook and we talked about how things went in the early fall of 1980. I had no idea there were others who were shamed and humiliated at Mrs. Jones' expense. Though this doesn't make me feel better, at least I can mentally accept the fact that it wasn't just me. It makes me feel better knowing there were others.

Your turn ... Please share your story of the meanest teacher you've ever had and thanks for reading.

Milk, it does a body good!

2012-09-03T12:10:00.000-04:00

Anyone remember the "Milk, it does a body good" commercials from the late 1980s? There were so many of them -- developed by McCann-Erickson Worldwide -- and each one featured a different kid, or several kids against a gray backdrop...

The theme was basically that drinking milk will make you hot or beautiful once you grow up. I never drank milk growing up, just didn't like the taste. I'm all grown up now, and well, I'm far from hot. My cousin, on the other hand, she drank milk by the gallon. She's now a successful lawyer, very hot and very wealthy. Hmm... Truth.

Here's one I found ... PS In retrospect, I realize many of the kids cast in these commercials have Long Island accents.