One photo. One memory. One thing to pass on to a kid. Then we’re gone till Thursday.
We’re dedicating the next few issues to the 8-bit joy of neon lights in darkened rooms, the mechanical “clink” of quarters hitting the dish, the ritual of placing those quarters on the marquee, and the ability to lose hours standing up.
Q*Bert hops cube to cube on a screen made of blocks.
This screen isn’t blocks. It’s drawn. Dexter runs and his hair bounces and his shadow runs with him. It’s a cartoon, and I’m the one holding the stick.
ENERGIZE flashes on his wrist. Hit the button. I’m watching him instead, waiting to see the muscles come back.
Too slow. Dexter’s gone.
Same scene again. I’ve seen this part. I know when the flash comes. I’m going to beat it this time.
I’m watching him again.
I dig in my pocket for more quarters. I’m in for another 50 cents. I don’t care how it ends. I just want to see what happens next.
Homework Assignment
Tell a kid how you heroically saved cassette tapes by spinning them on a pencil after the tape deck ate it.
See ya next Thursday.
-SMCoaT crew
