Summer

Super Soaker 50
Toys

Toy Stories: Super Soaker 50

Mickey Yarber

In the summer of 1990, backyards across America were transformed into splash zones thanks to a revolutionary new take on an old toy: the Super Soaker 50. Sleek, pressurized, and wildly powerful compared to the

General Pop Culture

House Rules Backyard Summer Games

Kevin Decent

My brother and I spent a lot of time at our grandparents home over the summer. There were dinners I still crave. I would never grill a hamburger the way my grandfather did but I

Ernest Goes To Splash Mountain
Television

When Ernest Went to Splash Mountain

Mickey Yarber

Before the rise of influencers and viral ride-throughs, there was Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain, a gloriously goofy, half-hour TV special that aired on July 7, 1989, just days before the grand opening of Splash

General Pop Culture

TRN Round Table: Vacations and Road Trips

Mickey Yarber

The fine folks from all around the Network have come together to share stories of memorable vacations and road trips throughout the years. We’re combining them all into one long, omnibus-like post for you to

General Pop Culture

Downhill Daredevils

Christopher Bailey

Like many other kids growing up in the 80s, the holidays were a huge deal to me. Christmas was the big one as it lasted a whole month, and Thanksgiving served as the kick-off to

General Pop Culture

Big City Summer

Kevin Decent

I grew up in a small town/city in upstate New York with my mom and brother. In my 16th year my dad invited me to spend the summer with him in Maryland. What conversations took

General Pop Culture

Summer at the Rec Center

Brandon Myers

Following my parents’ divorce in 1993, my father was transferred to the Naval Training Center in Orlando, Florida. He took custody of my brother and me and we relocated to the city of every kid’s