Yes, it is time for a new fun V.R. retroquiz my friends! Here are the rules: Based off of the picture, guess the name of the video game character(s) from the 80’s/90’s! It will start easy, but trust me it will get more challenging as you go along. Here we go!
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Bonus to make up for the one you missed😀**
We’ll guys how many names did you guess correctly? Answers are below. Post your results in the comment section! I hope that this made you feel like a kid again! Signing off for now.
(Federation Police roll call) Samus Aran! Samus Aran! Are you here? Do you copy?
(Samus hesitates, thinking to herself) “Uggh, I am so sick and tired of these meetings.” She then whispers to her squadmates Kreatz and Mauk, “Don’t you guys ever get tired of these long drawn out meetings by chief?” They respond with with a low yet resounding “yes”.
(Samus speaks to Federation Police Chief Hardy aggressively) Present! I am here Chief! Present! Present! Present!
(Police Chief Hardy) Ok, perfect. The roll call is done, everyone is present! Now to get down to business. Today ladies and gentlemen, we embark on a journey that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest undertakings that the Federation Police has ever spearheaded. This assignment is one that will no doubt take courage, and test your will as a department. As you look on our intergalactic map, you see here that the human occupied planet Jigrad has recently been under attack by those same evil Space Pirates that attacked K-2l in the past.
(Chief Hardy continues) Our leadership suspects that Ridley is behind all of this. They have enslaved the inhabitants of that planet, making this a very dangerous situation. Because of the advanced skill and abilities of those space pirates, I have decided to forgo a full frontal assault initially. Strategically, our leadership weighed the risk of that and determined that casualties would be at an all time high. As a result of this revelation after much consideration, we have decided to send in our elite “Star-Tracker” division first, lead by Samus Aran.
(Samus) Uggh, chief………….permission to speak?
(Police Chief Hardy) Sure Samus, what’s up?
(Samus) Um, you do realize that it is only myself, Kreatz, and Mauk in that division here don’t you?
(Police Chief Hardy) Hahahahaha, of course I do Samus! That’s why we promoted you. Look at it from this perspective, who is more qualified than Ms. Aran to take out Ridley? We have upgraded your new power suit, you will have a full arsenal of weapons, and everything you need to handle this special stealth mission. Think about it Samus, think about the glory! Think about you going down in history as the woman to save this planet! Think of all those people you will free. Think about your name in lights! Samus! Samus! Samus!
(Samus responds) Chief, you always have been a master salesman. Uggh, do I really have a choice in the matter anyway?
(Police Chief Hardy smiles) Nope, that’s why they pay you the big bucks! 🙂
(Samus) Uggh, ok. Come on Kreatz and Mauk. We are heading out……….
**Samus’s ship flies discretely onto planet Jigrad, and while searching through the jungles of destruction they stumble upon a slave child.**
(Samus whispering) Shhhh, do you guys hear that? It sounds like a young girl whimpering.
(Kreatz and Mauk respond) Samus stay on mission, we have no time to rescue a kid. Remember chief’s orders! This is a suicide mission anyway, don’t add even more risk to it Samus! We have to complete our orders before the rest of the Federation Police can invade! Now come on!
(Samus) Look guys, I was a young girl like her once when the Chozo’s rescued me! These pirates will kill her! Come on, where is your heart guys?
(Kreatz and Mauk respond) Samus, if you rescue her, you are on your own. We have orders from chief, and are not getting court-martialed because you are getting a little “soft around the edges” for some kid!
(Samus) Fine! I’ll handle it on my own! I am not going to let an innocent little girl die because of fear! After all, I was once that little girl!
**Samus runs off alone**
(Kreatz and Mauk look off as she goes alone) Why is she so stubborn all of the time? She brings these bad things upon herself!
(Samus approaches the little girl and whispers) Hey there, what’s your name?
**The little girl answers**
Damara……….
(Samus) Okay Damara, we are going to get you out of here. Come on….
**Samus hears a siren as she runs with the girl and a loud voice over an intercom**
Intruder!! You’re surrounded!!! PUT YOUR HANDS UP!!!!
From retro themed poetry to moments scrolling down memory lane, I truly love what I do as a writer. When I started http://www.vintageretroman.com, I began a journey of self realization and creativity through writing. I am aware that I do not think or operate like many people. I enjoy everything from Christian Hip-Hop to Pac-Man. I like to wear masks and costumes. I am entertained by everything from Nascar to Marching Bands. Most importantly I love the vintage and retro cultures of the past.
I never would have thought that 100 people would actually see my vision. For many years I did not showcase my writing ability because I simply thought that it was not good enough. I purposefully try to surround myself with other bloggers who are much better than me. It keeps me humble, and I learn so much from them. As I continue on my mission to provide the best content possible for the masses, I want to take a quick moment to hit the pause button and say thank you.
To my 100 followers on my blog, and almost 1000 followers on Instagram, I genuinely appreciate your support. I have been through so many things this year that were negative, but my blogging community has been a true blessing in my life. When I lost my father in March, you have been there. When I was in the hospital 2 weeks ago, you encouraged me. Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for understanding me. I may not be the best at many talents, but rest assure with me you will always get sincerity and authenticity. It is how I live my life and how I will continue on.
Me with my youngest daughter, 2018
Thank you for every like, every kind word, and every thought and prayer. You are appreciated. Please remember, my only goal is to make you feel like a kid again. Operate with passion. Structure your heart with love for others. Remember not to take life too seriously. Lastly, never let life dictate how far you can make it! On to 200 followers! 🙂
It is amazing how growing up, some stories have a lasting impact on your life. They are stories of courage, perseverance, overcoming nearly impossible odds. Stories of how unlikely people can grow to become something great! Since I was a kid, one of my favorite stories was actually the story of Samus Aran from the hit Nintendo (NES) game and series, Metriod! Samus was the original “Gamer Girl”. In 1986, she became the first major female protagonist in video game history! Her story and her legacy still continues today and she has become a well respected character in not just video game history, but all art forms. Because of this, I have decided to capture her story from a different perspective for my readers. Below is part one of my new series entitled “Samus- Destined For Greatness”. Enjoy!!!
(Scene is an exploding planet and destruction everywhere)
(Samus hears a whispering voice) Samus wake up, Samus wake up! We are under attack!/
Pirates are raiding K-2L, and the planet is ramshackled/
I’m from the Chozo species, and you have been chosen/
We must leave at great pace, before this planet’s explosion/
I know you’re young, you will not understand what is going on/
Don’t cry baby girl, I know you probably feel so alone/
You have no idea that you are destined for such greatness/
As we approach the planet Zebes you will find what await us/
Experimentation, and infusion of our DNA/
As you grow and become stronger you will learn the right way/
We know it’s tough being an orphan and we can’t speak on your parent’s/
We understand that this planet, compared to your last, there is a large variance/
Samus, look at me and dry those tears from your eyes/
My name is Old Bird, a Chozo elder and your ally/
I promise, we’ll get to the bottom of these diabolical acts/
As we record these events in a series of triological facts/
** And so the Samus child grew, the only survivor from K-2L/
She was only 3 years old at the time of the evil Ridley’s prevail/
He and his pirates are responsible for her parent’s demise/
Little did they know from their actions, a future warrior would arise/**
Ok vintage retro fans out there, time for another retroquiz! Let’s test your soul music knowledge and see if you can name that singer/group!
They convinced the whole world that “ain’t no woman like the one they’ve got!”
They pose the question, “Could it be we’re falling in love, with you baby?”
This soul singer compared his woman to a “starship”, which happened to be the name of one of his biggest hit singles.
If you are looking for “sunshine on a cloudy day” this group feels this about their girl.
This soul singer stated that “Love and Happiness” will make you do wrong or do right.
This soulful duo asked “Sara” to smile.
This particular group asked the question “Have you seen her?”
According to this group, “La la la means, I love you.”
In the 1970’s, this legendary singer made us all question “What’s going on?”
According to this singer’s perspective, things are finally going his way “For once in his life.”
This group was so excited about their ladies, they couldn’t help but sing “Betcha by golly wow! You’re the one that we’ve been waiting for, forever!”
“What you won’t do for love?” That is the thought provoking question that this soul singer probed his audience with.
She expressed her secret crush via song by stating, “If you only knew, how much i do, do love you.”
She stated that she only wanted one thing from her significant other, which is “RESPECT”
This soul singer did not feel respected in his home. Therefore he made the classic hit, “If you think you’re lonely now” to express that men feel used sometimes as well.
Well folks, that’s all for this quiz! Don’t forget to post your comments in the comment section below, as well as see the answers. Until the next quiz my friends, God bless!😊
Answers: 1) Four Tops 2) Spinners 3) Norman Connors 4) The Temptations 5) Al Green 6) Hall and Oates 7) The Chi-lites 8) The Delfonics 9) Marvin Gaye 10) Stevie Wonder 11) The Stylistics 12) Bobby Caldwell 13) Patti Labelle 14) Aretha Franklin 15) Bobby Womack
Truth and realization of the world around us are something we all experience at some point in our lives. How many times as adults have we come to the conclusion that our perception’s are not reality? Our worldview is shaped by many different influences. It may be our parents, other family members, teachers, church members, or a number of other outside influences that affect the way we view life. That is what this song is all about, and I love it!
This song reminds me of my childhood, and it most likely will take most of you back to the past as well. I still remember growing up and watching shows on TV feeling like that was real life. I was so naive with love as an adolescent and a young adult, feeling like marriage would be like a ferry tale. That is, until i went through a divorce a few years ago and learned the rough side of love. Growing up I thought my family was a perfect replica of the Cosby show in the 1980’s, until one day 20+ years later my father broke down and told me i had 2 other siblings i had never met. I am sure that was difficult for my father to tell me, but i always respected him for doing it. I thought people were generally good and accepting, until i fell on hard times and many of my “friends” deserted me. I thought social media was how most people really lived, until i realized that mostly everyone puts their best face on for the camera. Now i know better.
I learned that although all that glitters isn’t made of gold, there is still a sparkle in the glitter. We may go through hard times, but there is beauty in the struggle. We may weep in the night, but joy comes in the morning. The sooner we understand that life is more than a rollercoaster but an amusement park, the better. What i mean is that there are several unpredictable games and rides, not just one. The key is in my value statement, “Never let life dictate how far you can make it.” Life has it’s twist and turns, but God can and will straighten the paths if you have faith in Him. When some piece of truth comes in and rocks your world, do not freeze in fear. It is part of your experience and God is using it for good. Remember, if you let your life dictate how far you can make it, it is easy to stop striving because you may feel that your past and current experiences are what defines you, and that’s not true. You were made for excellence. You are special. Everything happens for a reason. Respect that, confess that, and digest that. Signing off for now.
Beyond the horizon, in my mind I am headed to Horizons park. The name has echoed through my head enough the past 72 hours. Beyond the horizon I can see it. One of my favorite places to visit growing up. My family of 10 would fill up dad’s old white station wagon and leave our home in east Winston-Salem and take the short drive over to the sleepy town of Germanton, NC. My parents knew how to fill up the cooler the right way, with chips, sweet snacks, and Capri Suns!
This was the 1980’s, so pulling up to the park we would always see teenagers with big George Michael styled haircuts playing frisbee in the big field bordering the park’s entrance. Young kids playing horseshoes and volleyball dressed in styles that varied from that of the music group New Edition to pop artist Rick Astley. These were great times. My parents would find the perfect picnic table, fire up the grill and start the barbeque. I can remember having my first childhood kiss here. I was 6 years old and it ironically happened at a church picnic; pure innocence, pure bliss.
As the warm summer breeze would rustle the trees, I remember as a kid looking around at the beauty of nature. The true essence of this feeling is captured in the classic song Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft.Even back then, the feelings of euphoria and nostalgia would engulf my very being. My brothers and sisters playing games. My mother asking me to sample delicious food fresh off of the grill. We literally would spend the whole day at the park, heading home at dusk. As the day would come to a close, It was a feeling best described by the lyrics of the song “Golden Time Of Day”by Frankie Beverly and Maze.During the ride home us kids generally would be passed out in the station wagon. When we arrived home after what always seemed like a long ride, my parents would carry me into the house, and I wouldn’t even realize that I was asleep until I woke up the next morning.
Growing up, I never realized the profound impact these events would have on my life. My parents didn’t have much so the occasional day trip or ‘Staycation’ meant so much to us kids! Coming from a large, lower income family, we could not afford family vacations growing up however these day trips provided something priceless in my book, great memories. Fast forward 25-30 years and it’s amazing how I try to capture these same feelings with my own family. With more resources and access, I find it ironic that at times it can be more difficult to capture the time capsules of memories like I used to as a kid. Still, we have moments in our family now where I see a resemblance to the days of old and I love it!
The morals of the story are, never underestimate the power of a good staycation. Life is not always about taking large-scale trips around the globe. Money can’t buy happiness. The beauty of the outdoors is irreplaceable. Most importantly, life is worth living. I don’t know what you may be going through right now but I know life can be difficult. Could it be that a short ‘staycation’ is exactly what you need? I challenge you to give it a shot and report back in the comment section of this article how things went. Signing off for now,
Welcome back to the 1990’s! We all love movies, so this particular retro quiz is all about the zingers, the one liner’s, and the clever quotes. The rules are simple, read the quote and guess the movie! Don’t forget to post your results in the comment section below. Answers are also below. Enjoy the quiz folks!
“Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get.”
“You can’t handle the truth!”
“That’ll do pig….that’ll do.”
“Show me the money!”
“Keep the change ya filthy animal!”
“They may take our lives….but they’ll never take our freedom!”
“That wasn’t flying, that was falling with style.”
“You’re killin’ me smalls!”
“You know what the difference is between you and me? I make this look good!”
“Do you understand the words that’s coming out of my mouth?”
“Get busy livin’ or get busy dying.”
“Face it girls, I’m older and I have more insurance”
“I’m thinking about getting me an appointment and go down and get my colon cleansed thoroughly.”
“What we call drugs at seventy-forth street Baptist church, we call dem a sinny-sin-sin!”
“Yes they deserve to die, and I hope they burn in hell!”
“A-B-C. A Always, B. Be, C. Closing. Always be closing! Always be closing!”
“Let me ask you a question, and be honest. Do I make you horny baby? Do I? Randy?!”
“I’m the king of the world!”
“Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, and you go do somethin’ like this and total redeem yourself!”
“Oh and this one time, at band camp….”
Well that’s all folks! Don’t forget to post your result in the comments section! Answers are below! Until the next retro quiz, enjoy life and never let it dictate how far you can make it! Signing off for now.
V.R.
Answers: 1) Forrest Gump 2) A Few Good Men 3) Babe 4) Jerry Maguire 5) Home Alone 6) Braveheart 7) Toy Story 8) Sandlot 9) Men in Black 10) Rush Hour 11) Shawshank Redempton 12) Fried Green Tomatoes 13) Nutty Professor 14) Friday 15) A Time to Kill 16) Glengarry Glen Ross 17) Austin Powers 18) Titanic 19) Dumb and Dumber 20) American Pie
What if I told you that there actually is a such thing as a time machine? Would you my reader believe me, or would you think I am going crazy? Would you want to know more, or just write off what I am saying because it seems far fetched? My friends, I submit to you that time machines are real! I know they are, because I have seen them with my own two eyes! I have heard them with my ears! I am not going crazy here, please stay with me as I take you on this journey down memory lane.
When I was a child growing up in the 1980’s and 1990’s, I could distinctly remember certain places, people, and events easily in my youth. Fast forward to 2018, it is not as easy as it use to be to remember those things. As we age we still have our memories, but our mind generally is not as sharp as it used to be. Sometimes I forget what I was talking about 5 minutes ago, yet I can remember an event from 25 years ago through one particular vehicle, or as I like to call it, time machine.
I will not make you my reader wait any longer. The time machine I am referring to is the vehicle of music. Yes my friends, music is a time machine in which I use to travel back down memory lane to remember specific details of life. Below are a few examples of specific events I am reminded of, every time I hear these songs.
Stevie Wonder’s “Another Star”– When hearing this beautifully crafted piece of music, I instantly travel back to 2 different era’s of my life. The first is 1996, sitting with my brother Julius in the back room of my parents home talking about life and eating Hot Pockets. When this album played, my brother did not realize the values he was instilling in me that had a long lasting positive effect on my life. He was molding me in several subjects, from how to handle my business as a young man, to how to impress girls when I went to high school the next year. He taught me to be smart and not get caught up in the system, all while Stevie was playing in the background. The second era was 2001. This was my freshman year in college at Winston-Salem State University sitting in the stands watching the Durham N.C. Battle Of The bands. Virginia State University’s marching band marched out to “Another Star” and it sounded amazing! They were a primary rival of my school at that time, but I must admit I loved the way they played this song. I joined the marching band at WSSU the next year, partially to battle VSU because of this event.
James Taylor’s “Shower The People”– When hearing this song, I instantly think of my father and warp back to my childhood. The year was 1988. I was 5 years old at the time. I remember that being the year my parents had a sun room completed in our home. I remember my dad playing this beautiful song on his guitar and the whole family would sit and listen. Then we would go outside right after and play. My dad would continue to play and sing, while me and my 8 year old sister Tomeka made mud pies. I was young, but I remember the message of this song because it was full of emotion. The lyrics were so powerful back then and now. In the second verse of the song, James passionately sang, “You can run but you cannot hide, this is widely known, what do you plan to do with your foolish pride, when you’re all by yourself alone? Better to shower the people you love with love.” -Classic
Nas’s “The World Is Yours”, leading track on his classic album “Illmatic“- Ah spring 1994, I will never forget. I was almost 11 years old and definitely not supposed to be listening to hip-hop music, but tell that to my 5 older brothers! I take this time machine back to that spring, walking with my older brother’s Westly and Julius to Greg’s house, their best friend. I distinctly remember playing Sonic The Hedgehog 2 and Mortal Kombat on his Sega Genesis, when I heard the piano cords at the beginning of this song before Nas started rapping. I turned the TV down to hear what the rapper was saying. Even at my young age, I was taken away by his words and descriptions of the living conditions in the infamous “Queensbridge” Project Homes of Queens, New York. The lyrics that rapper Nas stated on the second verse were incredible to me. He stated, “They aiming guns at all my baby pictures/beef with housing police, release scriptures that’s maybe Hitler’s/ Yet I’m the mild, money-getting style, rolling foul/ The versatile, honey-sticking wild golden child/ Dwelling in the Rotten Apple, you get tackled.” Nas had incredible talent, because he has the ability to make you feel what he saw everyday. That is what great artists do, in my opinion.
These are only 3 examples of many others where music is the vehicle to travel back in time. I can see almost every detail. Music is so powerful. It is a form of art that brings back many feelings and emotions for the masses. I would love to know how many of you agree, and what songs specifically allow you my reader to travel back in time. It is a great feeling, because we are all just trying to figure out this thing called life. I highly suggest that at some point this weekend, pull out a few of your old time machines and take a ride down memory lane. They come in many different forms. Back then there were only 8 track, vinyl, and cassette time machines. Today we have CD, MP3, and Digital Streaming time machines. No matter the format, pull them out, push play, and fly away. This is Vintage Retroman, signing off for now.