Every Gen-Xer who watched TV knows the words to the limited script:

Boy 1: “What’s this stuff?”

Boy 2: “Some cereal. It’’s supposed to be good for you.”

Boy 1: “Are you gonna try it?

Boy 2: “I’m not gonna try it. YOU try it!”

Boy 1: “I’m not gonna try it.”

[enter lightbulb moment/stroke of genius here]

Boy 2: “I know! Let’s get Mikey!”

Boy 1: “He won’t eat it. He hates everything.”

Camera pans to Mikey, who has been given the unwanted bowl of cereal.

Mikey, completely unawares, starts eating and doesn’t stop.

Boy 1: “He likes it!! Hey Mikey!!”

Cue voiceover with a call to action about how Life Cereal is good or you, etc.

Never again could four words in simple succession immediately become the catch-phrase of the era.

You can read the full post here: He Likes It! Hey Mikey!

There were some really good theme songs for the cheesy 70s TV shows we used to watch, weren't there? Sanford and Son, Welcome Back Kotter, The Partridge Family...

Depending on who you ask, some of these opening tunes were better than others. Regardless of which ones you liked best, it's safe to say that they were all pretty catchy.

Remember?

Visit the full post here to watch and listen to each show's opening theme and segment:

The Top 10 TV Show Theme Songs From the 1970s

Subscribe to Living in the Past so that you never miss another reminder of your Gen X experience: http://livinginthepast.substack.com

"Quiche was, apparently, a no-no, as was expressing emotions, sensitivity and romance. According to the societal edict of the time, men were to eat lots of meat, participate in “masculine” activities and wear only rugged and “manly” clothing. These proscribed directives were to be followed, no questions asked. That is, if you really were a man of the era."

You can read the full post and subscribe here: https://livinginthepast.substack.com/p/real-men-didnt-eat-quiche-in-the

When we look at pictures and videos of people in the past - say the 50s, 60s and 70s - don't you find that they look a lot older than people of the same age now? Why is that? What are the reasons that a 15-year-old in 1972 looks so much older than a teen of the same age today? What the heck is going on??

To see pictures of celebrities from the past who looked so much older than they really were, check out the corresponding post called "Did People in the Past Look Older?" on http://livinginthepast.substack.com

There was a time in the 1970s when you couldn’t live life without the possibility of a naked person gracing your line of sight. Often, it was funny. Other times it wasn’t. Either way, it was always absurd.

Read this post and subscribe to Living In The Past or more Gen X memories.

When Uber was just a twinkle in the 21st Century's eye, there was a similarly efficient way of getting around. And parents everywhere worried about it.

There was a time when no plans were made until the TV Guide was consulted. Remember?