12May 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Ice Cream Cone Radio

12May 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Ice Cream Cone Radio

ice-cream-cone-radio_8508

Although the ice cream looks more like dry wall spackle this radio, made in 1977, still plays beautiful static-y music like the day it was born. Made by Amico, the only sign of decay is the color of the ice cream itself which has faded from the purrfect strawberry pink on the inner side of the plastic to a dull brown rum raisin outside. The cone pulls out of the base so you can walk around pretending you’re eating it, a fun activity for some back in the day, especially those on roller skates. I remember thinking that there should be bases for real ice cream cones so people like me who licked slow to drag out the ecstasy of my favorite Pralines ‘n Cream wouldn’t have it dripping all over their hands. This is still my emergency radio in case of earthquakes.

ice-cream-cone-radio_8505

16Apr 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Teeth S&Ps From New Mexico

16Apr 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Teeth S&Ps From New Mexico

teeth-sps_7645

I’m a big fan of state souvenirs, especially since most states have the identical souvenir snow globes, ashtrays and pen holders, all of which have nothing to do with the state itself other than the name decal slapped on front. But hats off to New Mexico for going a step further on the disconnect scale and having these teeth salt and pepper shakers. If anyone is aware of the connection between these choppers and “The Land Of Enchantment” I’m all ears or, should I say, teeth.

11Apr 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Catchers Mitt For Spit Ball Gum

11Apr 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Catchers Mitt For Spit Ball Gum

 spit-ball-gum-catcher_74761

Poised to catch chewing materials when your mouth must be otherwise occupied these ceramic gum catchers had their heyday in the 1960’s and 70’s. I once knew a pug owned by a famous chef friend of mine who began every morning by racing around her restaurant eating gum stuck to the bottoms of all the tables by patrons who had no better place to dispose of their wads. Once the tables were clear, my friend would stretch out a 4′ long piece of dental floss and the pug would run her mouth back and forth over it until the spaces between her teeth were once again spotless. I’m glad there were no Spit Ball Gum Catchers around as this was such a spectacular trick! But unless proprietors own as gifted of a pet it seems like gum catchers should be on the inventory list of all self respecting food establishments.

09Apr 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Drunk On Disco

09Apr 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Drunk On Disco

disco-beer

Mmm, nothing tasted better in the 1970’s than something reminiscent of sweat, polyester and poppers.  Popular Dis-Go soda flavors included Champagne, Beer and Near Beer.  I don’t recall any liquid being the Disco refreshment of choice but a trend catching on so big that even makers of seemingly unrelated products want to capitalize on the name makes for Kitsch classicism.

29Mar 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Can O’ Ham

29Mar 2009

Allee Willis’ Kitsch O’ The Day – Can O’ Ham

canned-ham-front

Nothing better for a Sunday chew-down than a can o’ ham, glistening pink deliciousness especially when printed on tin or whatever metal this is that allowed the contents to completely disintegrate inside. As you can see from the photo below, the sardine-like key on the back is still intact but upon shaking nary a shred of meatstuff can be heard. I found this in a junkyard at least 25 years ago (the ham was already gone) and almost everyone who’s walked through my kitchen since gives it a good shake thinking the ham might magically appear.

canned-ham-back