Submitted by Stephen G, Project Mercury team leader.

Sega’s Game Gear was the 3rd commercially available hand-held video game console that featured a color screen. I definitely remember logging some Sonic The Hedgehog hours on a Game Gear. What about you? Favorite games? Do you miss the Game Gear, or are you content with your iPod Touches and PSPs?

Submitted by Jeff G, screamin’ eagle.

Wood paneling FTW! You really can’t beat it. The AMC Eagle was introduced in 1979 and remained on the market until 1988. They really are a thing to behold in a kitschy sort of way. How about you guys? Did any of you take a hot date out on a Friday night in one of these bad boys?

Submitted by The Fuzz, discovered in a block of ice.

Brendan Fraser + Pauly Shore + A film about a million-year-old caveman being unearthed in Los Angeles = Total ’90s nostalgia. I can suspend my disbelief over the whole “caveman being discovered and is still alive” thing, but I can’t do the same when trying to process the plot point that, somehow, the caveman is the key to popularity for two geeky outcasts. But there’s no point getting hung up over a Pauly Shore movie, am I right? Take a trip back to the ’90s with the film trailer above; I apologize in advance if “I’m Too Sexy” is stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Submitted by Carl G, undercover high school student.

Johnny Depp starred (for the first 4 seasons, anyway) in this police drama about unreasonably good looking officers who went undercover in high schools and other teenage hot spots to solve crime. You may not buy the premise, but chances are good that some of you still have a Johnny Depp poster up on your wall (or a picture in your wallet, in between photos of your husband and your kids). It was with this series that Mr. Depp became known as a teen heartthrob, a title which he still holds two decades later.

Submitted by Katrina G, treat of the year:

Before the days of the Happy Meal, the ‘Treat of the Week’ existed. All you had to do was ask for it, and it was yours, no strings attached. Same great toys as the happy meals, but completely free. I miss the good old days!

Submitted by Kenny O, cartoon thespian.

George Plimpton hosted this Disney parody of Masterpiece Theater. It only ran for one season, which I find incredible, because the idea of Mickey and Goofy tackling Shakespeare is an appealing one. Plus, hello, George Plimpton was hosting! An even bigger resume point for him, I’m sure, than his involvement with The Paris Review.

Submitted by Laura V, gone fishin’:

The object of the game was to take your little fishing pole, which had a magnet as a lure, and try to catch as many fish as you could before the other kid caught more. The tricky thing was that the fish ’swam’ (spun around in a circle) and their mouths opened and closed (blocking the magnet inside). Oh it was tricky and surprisingly noisy (the game alone was noisy but the cuss words of frustration added to the noise). The fun of the game only lasted about twenty minutes before it became boring.

Wow, you Once Upon a Winners do love your magnetic fishing games. The travel edition, good for playing in the backseat of your parents’ minivan on long road trips, in featured above. You can also check out the full-sized board game edition, Let’s Go Fishin’.

’80s Music Video Thursday is back! You know the drill: After you’ve enjoyed a few select video masterpieces, let us know in the comments what you’d like to see on the site next week!

“Centipede” by Rebbie Jackson, submitted by Feckless.

You know, I have to say, as far as “sexy” metaphors go, “centipede” is not my favorite. Can’t argue with a woman who shoots CGI lightning bolts out of her hands, though. Seriously, that’s just asking for trouble.

“Love For Tender” by Elvis Costello, submitted by QuoteMan

Mr. Costello singing with a wad of money fanned out in front of his face. Mr. Costello singing in front of a variety of backgrounds, including cacti, a lighthouse, and a door! And what are those giant silver pom poms he uses? Total WIN.

“West End Girls” by Pet Shop Boys.

OK, I know it’s kind of a PSB staple, but the one who just stands around quietly in the background really kind of weirds me out. Is he just pouting because he doesn’t have the coolest hair in the video?

A few more from the past:
’80s Music Video Thursday: Yeah, We Really Want To
’80s Music Video Thursday: It Will Compute
’80s Music Video Thursday: ’80s Movie Edition

Submitted by Fiesta , who’s going to Walley World!

“Getting there is half the fun.” Anyone whose parents ever said that to them knows exactly what to expect. There really is nothing like a John Hughes film to make one feel nostalgic. This being one of his most popular films, it’s especially WIN! This 1983 film introduced us to the Griswold family, who went on to entertain us even more in European Vacation and Christmas Vacation. Tell us about your favorite scenes or quotes in the comments.

Submitted by Mary R, tonight she’ll be takin’ no calls ‘cuz she’ll be dancin’!

Why do I think that answering machines are an epic win? Well, let’s just say it’s a lot harder to hack into someone’s voicemail to erase embarrassing messages you left while drunk. KIDDING! Kind of…Anyway, voicemail has replaced answering machines (also called “answerphones” or “ansaphones” in the UK) as the preferred message service. Answering machines are still around (though to find one sold separately from a phone would be rare, I think), but are the thing to have if you like to keep tapes with old messages on them. And who doesn’t like to do that?!

Submitted by Amber H, who broke her elastic string.

A wooden paddle, an elastic string, and a ball. When those elements combine, there is only one thing that can happen: EPIC FUN!!! I’m sure that nearly every child played paddle ball at some point in their youth. It really is one one those universal toys, perhaps because it is so simple and accessible. Just be careful not to use too much force; it is still possible to hurt yourself with the ball, even though it is attached to a string. I would know.

Submitted by Brian O, big wisher.

When The Sears Wish Book was first published in 1933, it was a 300+ page tome so full of holiday toys and treats that practically every child who flipped it open began salivating instantly. Over the years, however, the book shrank. Eventually, it became nothing more than a flyer thrown into the bags of busy, indifferent shoppers. Sears kind of resurrected the old-style book in 2007, but it still didn’t quite match the epic win that was the original Wish Book. And, let’s face it, flipping through the circulars that come tucked into the Sunday papers just doesn’t feel the same.

Submitted by Amber H, who lives in a house with wood paneling.

What is there to say about giant wooden televisions that they don’t say about themselves? They weren’t just televisions, they were furniture. Practically works of art. They added that “something special” to your sitting room. They were a status sym…OK. They were ugly. We can admit it. However, they evoke memories of a specific era, a specific style, and therefore they are a major nostalgic WIN.

Submitted by Amber H, caramel-coated.

We could all sit here and chat about how we loved to rip open a box of Cracker Jack and munch down the caramel-coated popcorn and nuts. But let’s be honest: We really only cared about the prize hidden somewhere in the sugary goodness.

Submitted by Kenny O, bubbly:

Every old school Chuck E. Cheese had one of these USA VS USSR. Bubble Hockey tables.

If Air Hockey and Fussball had had a lovechild, they may have called it Bubble Hockey. Or maybe not. They might have gone more traditional and decided on “Jimmy.” Who can say?

Submitted by John M, whose head turns into a television when Mario jumps on it:

Just what every video gamer needed: video game cereal. I wish I could still find this stuff.

Submitted by Laurens B, coin-operated.

Pinball existed, and was popular, long before video games appeared on the scene. Today, only 1 company still makes pinball machines. These great forms of entertainment still exist in electronic, video game form, but the real deal is pretty much extinct. Such a shame.

Submitted by Artest V, who can remember it for you wholesale.

Arnold. Sharon Stone. A screenplay based on a Philip K Dick short story. All the action a person can handle. Sounds like a WIN to me! The film was released in 1990 and performed very well at the box office (and not too horribly with the critics). The director, Paul Verhoeven, went on to direct cinema’s greatest masterpiece, Showgirls. Arnold, of course, went on to star in such films as Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Junior, and Jingle All the Way before eventually becoming “governator” of California.

Submitted by Gina R, the strongest woman…in the world!

The Adventures of Pete and Pete began as minute-long shorts aired between programs on Nickelodeon in 1989. The shorts were popular, and the rest, as they say, is history. The show ran for three seasons, from 1993 to 1996. It was silly and surreal and was a favorite among most of the people in my age bracket. It also boasted a pretty impressive list of guest stars, including Debbie Harry, Selma Blair, Michael Stipe, Janeane Garofalo, and LL Cool J. The first two seasons are available on DVD, so if this was a childhood favorite, check ‘em out! And tell us about your favorite episodes in the comments.

“Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” by Culture Club, submitted by CosmykDolfyn:

Yes, we really want to hurt you if you don’t tell us WHAT IN THE WORLD YOU ARE DOING!?!

Essential cheesy ’80s listening. Watching it, however, it a horse of another color.

“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves, submitted by QuoteMan.

The happiest song ever recorded. Kind of makes you want to fling yourself off a building, am I right?

“Super Trouper” by ABBA.

Mamma mia! It’s ABBA! Superb ’80s hair, a very special Christmas sweater, and a seizure-causing light show. Oh, ABBA, you always come through!

Submitted by Susan V, human de Bordeaux:

What is not to like here? Tom Hanks? A big, slobbery Dogue de Bordeaux (that would be Hooch) that—wait for it—helps solve a crime?! Oh, dog may be man’s best friend, but he is also man’s best costar. This 1989 film performed well at the box office (an attempt at a spin-off television series was even made) depsite later becoming a constant source of jokeage for Mr. Hanks upon becoming more famous.

Submitted by Babalou, iPod hater.

Oh, the time before iPods (and other mp3 players, of course)! I went through many generations of portable CD players, including one that looked a lot like the original Sony Discman (though it must have been a later model). Unfortunately (yes, I said it!), people don’t really listen to CDs anymore, and so these machines have become obsolete. Not to say that mp3 players don’t have their conveniences, but something must be said, I think, for listening to a whole CD all the way through, the way it was meant to be heard. Plus, you got to enjoy the artwork printed on the CD itself.

Submitted by Bristol Y, with a vengeance.

Yippee kai yay! When Die Hard was released in 1988, it rejuvenated the action film genre. It spawned several sequels (most recently, 2007’s Live Free or Die Hard) and is, arguably (along with Pulp Fiction), the highlight of Bruce Willis’ career. If you like your action films with a bit of Christmas fun (and a score that references A Clockwork Orange), then this is the action film for you!

Submitted by Tina T, mallrat:

Malls back in the day were way better. They had that funky smell, and the stores were totally awesome.

Fortunately for you awesome ’80s mall fans, there seem to be geographical pockets where time has stood still and malls retain their ’80s-ness. Of course, the stores have probably changed, but the atmosphere remains intact.

Submitted by Kenny O, wonderful and waterful:

Forget the gameboy. This is what we played before handheld video game consoles. Wonderful Waterful Basketball is still the best handheld basketball game ever made.

Me? I liked the “ring toss” variation on this game. One has to wonder how long toys like these would entertain today’s youth if their attention spans are anything like people say they are.

Good morning, dearest Winners. It’s Monday, which means “WTF” around these parts. Have a good nostalgic WTF you’d like to share? Leave a link the comments!

Submitted by Emily, who uses this as her workout video every morning.

I honestly have no words. For a person who is normally quite verbose in his writing, this is especially troubling. Just what is going on here? And why, despite feeling a little sick while watching it, can I not force myself to look away? Like a traffic accident or bad plastic surgery, you just can’t help but stare. I do apologize for any trauma caused. But if you want to experience a truly WTF moment, don’t skip this video!

Submitted by Doug B, coin eater.

Robie made saving your coins fun. Well, the first few coins, anyway. He did always stick to the same routine, right down to the lick-lip. I believe you can still find Robie, at least around Christmas, at your local Radio Shack. I don’t know where the Robie from my childhood got to, so perhaps I’ll check around for a new one next holiday season.

Submitted by Dot Tie, peel-off polish:

Tinkerbell Cosmetics was a line of makeup for little girls (1950s-1990s). As far as I know, their products are no longer manufactured. It’s sad to see that Tinkerbell is no longer producing cosmetics, because they made such memorable and fun products. I especially remember the distinctive perfume, the compact, and most of all the nail polish that peeled off.

Submitted by MQueen, who also smells of fries and chocolate:

Every Halloween, I would beg Mom to take us to Mcdonald’s so we could get these pails! I also used them for trick or treating. My brother and I had a blast. By the time Halloween was over, they smelled of fries and chocolate.

McDonald’s and its many products, commercials, and playlands sure bring out the nostalgia in this bunch!

Submitted by Shawn R, who just needs some tasty waves and a cool buzz:

This 1982 film, written by Cameron Crowe, featured an all star cast, though most of them had yet to become stars. Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Nicholas Cage, and Forest Whittaker all starred. It’s one of those movies that harkens back to a specific point in time (the ’80s) while still touching upon those universal “high school” themes. Tell us your favorite characters, scenes, and/or quotes in the comments!

Submitted by Kenny O, who cheated by peeking at the shoes:

This was everyone’s favorite rainy day activity in elementary school. A few problems: If you weren’t popular, no one ever touched your thumb. Or, if a boy picked a girl, it could have been taken to mean that he liked her. Cheating was easy: All you had to do was open your eyes and steal a peek at the shoes when you felt your thumb get tapped. You could also tap your neighbor’s thumb to trick him.

“Do You Compute” by Donnie Iris, submitted by CosmykDolfyn:

Remember when all computers were new and exciting, and everything began (obviously) referencing computer technology? Donnie Iris was no different.

Nice hair, nice glasses, nice teeth, nice overall style. The ladies must have gone gaga for Mr. Iris.

“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys, submitted by GoodGrief and Quoteman.

This video features John Stamos. What else is there to say, really? Well, I guess I could add that it also features some horseback riding on the beach. Holla!!!

“The Passenger” by Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Siouxsie covering Iggy Pop. Can’t go wrong. Many of you may recognize the melody, as this song (most commonly Iggy Pop’s version) has been used in a plethora of advertisements and movie trailers. If you don’t care for the song, you can at least admire the eyeshadow.

A few more from the past:
’80s Music Video Thursday: ’80s Movie Edition
’80s Music Video Thursday: Crazy Car Drivin’ Homo sapiens
’80s Music Video Thursday: The Future is Here

Submitted by Kenny J, sorcerer.

The old man may seem creepy this day and age, but this show was awesome back in the day. I remember bugging the crap out my mom and dad to get supplies for a lot of those experiments.

Submitted by Rachel, with a weight limit of 97.23 pounds:

I had the same one in the picture!

The unofficial furniture staple of basement rumpus rooms and adolescent boys’ bedrooms. All I have to say is: It’s one thing to sit down on a piece of inflatable furniture, but it’s whole different story trying get up off of one. I suggest rolling. And PS – If you’re of a certain age and you still own inflatable furniture (and/or a beanbag chair), then I suggest a trip to your nearest Lazy Boy asap.

Submitted by Michael D, who spies some WIN.

If I could count the hour spent interacting with I Spy books during my youth…Well, I don’t have that much time, honestly. In addition to being fun, the images themselves were gorgeous enough to stare at for hours. I’ve even, as an adult, flipped an I Spy book open once or twice, and there is still something magical about them. These have my vote over the “I spy, with my little eye, something _____” games that my brother and I used to play on road trips. Here’s a sample to gaze at for a bit (might be kind of hard to spot a toothpick in an image this size, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying):

Submitted by Kenny O, curiously cinnamon.

In or around 1992, Bob and Quello “disappeared” from boxes and commercials without explanation, leaving Wendell as the sole mascot for the popular General Mills cereal brand. While the trio never reached the same level of fame as Snap, Crackle and Pop, they are still fondly remembered.

A little research reveals that, despite being popularly known and Bob and Quello, the two “missing” characters officially had no names! It seems that “Bob” and “Quello” were ousted after consumer feedback indicated that Wendell, aka Cinnamon Toast Baker (who names their child Cinnamon?!?!), worked better as a solo act.

Submitted by Justin V, who’s got a little something stuck in his teeth.

I will admit that these things are pretty tasty, but there are few things in this world that are worse when it comes to sugary gunk getting stuck in your teeth. Especially if you, like me, end up biting into the lollipop before properly finishing. Caramel Apple Pops, manufactured by Tootsie Roll Industries, were introduced in 1995 and are still sold today. So go get yourself some cavities!

Because what we all wanted was the taste of Pepsi while drinking something that looked like 7-Up. Almost unbelievably, this product was available for only a year in the United States. The slogan, “You’ve never seen a taste like this,” does provide a good laugh though. I really would like to know who thought this would be a success. So FAIL it’s WIN. It’s always fun to look back and giggle (perhaps while sipping a REAL pepsi, like the rock star that you are).

Submitted by Rosco R, Dead Boy.

Country. Bluegrass. Blues. Now you know, if you didn’t already, what CBGB stands for. (The OMFUG stands for Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers.) Despite the acronym, CBGB, one of the most renowned music venues in the world, became THE stage to play for punk and rock bands in the ’70s. Bands like Blondie, Television, The Ramones, Patti Smith, Talking Heads, and so many more, built their followings playing the CBGB stage. Sadly, due to rent increases, the venue closed in 2006. Owner and founder Hilly Kristal passed away in 2007.

Submitted by Kathy M, hard-top convertible.

The Pontiac GTO was the ultimate American muscle car. Pontiac made the model from 1964-1974, but most “goat” fans view the 1964-70 models as the classics.

My dad bought a new GTO in 1966 (the color and style in the photo) to assuage his midlife crisis. This model was actually called a “hard-top convertible” because there was no vertical beam separating the front and back windows; but the top didn’t actually come off. It did come in a standard convertible (with rag-top) as well.

Today a restored 1966 GTO fetches around $40,000-$50,000 at auction.

Though my sister and I were very young when my folks owned this car, we have many fond memories of it. My dad regretted—literally to his dying day—ever trading in his GTO.

Submitted by Kenny O, whose favorite combination was meatloaf + The Love Boat:

Remember these metal TV trays that kids used to eat grilled cheese sandwiches on while watching Pinwheel or The A-Team after school?

Yes, yes I do remember them. My mother owned a fine set with a country home-ish floral design. They folded out, like mini-tables. I believe she has them stacked up in the back of a closet somewhere. Classy nostalgia!

Submitted by Rachel, circle “yes” if you like me, circle “no” if you don’t:

I have 2 shoe boxes full of these from middle school and the beginning of high school. They’re maybe not specifically ’90s, but there is still something nostalgic about them. Great memories from high school!

Sadly, I was the only one of my friends who knew how to do cool folds. I spent time and effort turning my notes into artwork, and all I got in return was a piece of paper folded into eighths.

Submitted by Chris T, epic gamer.

This classic video game console was released in 1994 (1995 in the United States and Europe). It was not the first console to utilize optical disc format, but it was the first successful model to do so. It was manufactured for 11 years. Of course, by now we’ve been through PlayStation 2 and are currently using PlayStation 3, but the original is the true nostalgic win. Let us know in the comments what your favorite PlayStation games were!

Happy ’80s Music Video Thursday! Today we take our lesson from the chapter “Songs From ’80s Movies.” Oh, there are some classics. I really, really wanted to post Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings”—best karaoke song ever!—but, unfortunately, I couldn’t find a good version on the interwebs. What’s your favorite ’80s movie anthem? And, as always, please leave suggestions for more ’80s music videos in the comments.

“Against All Odds” by Phil Collins, from the movie Against All Odds. Submitted by QuoteMan:

Phil Colins?! MOVIE SONG?!?! I can already smell the 80’s on this one!

Yeah, I smell it, too. Smells a little like…musty old tears. How many crying scenes are in this movie?!

“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin, from the movie Top Gun.

Place your bets: How many weddings across the globe have played this song during the traditional first dance? Just be thankful I didn’t post the Jessica Simpson remake.

“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, from the movie Footloose.

My Sunday shoes are officially kicked off, and…I actually don’t know any of the other lyrics. That’s not gonna stop me from dancing!

A few more from the past:
’80s Music Video Thursday: Crazy Car Drivin’ Homo sapiens
’80s Music Video Thursday: The Future is Here
Do They Know It’s ’80s Music Video Thursday?

Submitted by Cameron C, who lives in a van…down by the river.

Christopher Crosby “Chris” Farley achieved great fame and popularity in the ’90s for his work on SNL (memorable characters include Matt Foley, a motivational speaker of questionable methods, and one of the “Gap Girls” with David Spade and Adam Sandler [featured in the clip above]). He also starred in a handful of successful films (Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and Beverly Hills Ninja, most notably). In late 1997, Mr. Farley passed away from from a drug overdose and heart attack after a year of highly-publicized ill health and addiction problems.

Submitted by Christian M, k’nected.

K’NEX, like Legos, were—still are, in fact—building/construction-focused toys that allowed the user to build models using rods and connectors (and, in the more advanced kits, hand cranks, wheels, pulleys, and motors). I most certainly remember assembling K’NEX models with my brother after we had outgrown (or temporarily become sick of) Legos.

Submitted by Emily EE, whose favorite character is Nopey, the dog.

In honor of Gumby creator Art Clokey (he passed away on Friday, January 8th at the age of 88), let us all remember the claymation magic that was Gumby (and Gumby’s talking-horse-sidekick, Pokey). Clokey created Gumby with his wife, who suggested he model a character after the gingerbread man (Green was Clokey’s favorite color, and therefore he made Gumby green. His slanted head was inspired his father’s hairstyle). Clokey also created Davey and Goliath. Take a moment to remember and celebrate Clokey’s most famous and beloved work.

Submitted by Lewk S, olympic-level Funnel Ball master.

Growing up in the early/mid ’90s, I fondly remember the numerous playground games I used to play. One of my favorite pastimes, of course, was throwing a kickball, basketball—or anything, really—into the towering Funnel Ball tower with my friends. I still see these on playgrounds, and I often see kids throwing balls into the funnel. Simple, very entertaining, and fondly remembered—that, to me, is pure win!

Submitted by Courtney W, who transforms into a cheezburger.

Also known as: Fast Food Transformers. I wonder why Michael Bay hasn’t cast Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf in a movie about these Happy Meal classics. You never know; I may have spoken too soon. I can see it happening. Anyway, as far as memorable Happy Meal toys go, I think these are probably up there.

Welcome back to Monday WTF. Please leave suggestions for next week’s nostalgic WTF in the comments.

Submitted by QuoteMan, lonely heart.

I am shocked! Shocked to my very core! How is it these fine gentlemen were unable to find lasting, loving relationships without the aid of video dating?! Who wouldn’t want to date a man who specifies that he’s not looking for “some big…overgrown monster who’s always thinking about food?!” They all seem like handsome, fun-lovin’ dudes who want to treat you ladies right…so long as you don’t smoke, drink, eat, talk, or do anything at all.