We got the first bits done on our portable soda fountain. This fountain will be fully mobile and able to do events anywhere. We're finishing it for it's maiden voyage in Klemen Plaza for the fundraiser for the Mary Brogan Museum.

The first trophy Greg brought back from his New York Toy Fair expedition has just come in: Groovyballs.

Groovyballs are a handful of very small, very powerful rare-earth magnets--216, to be precise. You can squeeze them, mold them, build them into shapes, do just about anything with them (except swallow them).

You might remember a similar product we recently carried. Groovyballs are nearly identical. In fact, the only difference we've found is the price: only $20.99 per pack.

[IMPORTANT: As with any powerful magnet, Groovyballs are not intended for small children. They can be very dangerous if swallowed or inhaled. We will not sell Groovyballs to anyone under 10 years of age.]

Come by and check them out today!

5 new button designs free with purchase at Lofty Pursuits. This brings the total number of designs up to 25 for those of you who are keeping score. Theme: wavy.

Lofty Pursuits has the best toys, games, and frozen treats in town. You already know that. And now, everyone else in town knows it, too.

Our first billboard was unveiled this week, and it is stunning. Designed by Greg himself (who, you may not be aware, gave up a successful career in graphic design when he opened a toy store), it features our logo and the Gasping Lass from our menus and web page.

If you would like to see it for yourself, it's close to the Monroe Street intersection of Thomasville Road, on the left side as you head away from downtown. We hope it will be a recognizable landmark for some time to come.

This is from the UK, a dog ice cream truck. I wonder where they keep their change?

I don't think that came off too bad. I like the not growing up angle.

As the great philosopher Tom Lehrer once said "I'm trying to go from adolescence to senility bypassing maturity"

The Bay Street soda fountain was not really on my to visit list. First, it is in Staten Island. For those of you who don't know, the only way to get there is by ferry, and unlike the rest of the city the best way to get around is by car.

I also was unsure if it was still in business.

Fate took a turn with this one. A very old friend of mine named Scott now lives in Staten Island and he's been trying to get up with me for about a year now. We have not really seen each other in 32 years. I ride the ferry, he picks me up and after an interesting parking situation we find the place.

The place opened around 1939, and is from what I can tell the last soda fountain standing in Staten Island. We see the sign on the door. Apparently it closed 10 months ago, but someone bought it, has restored it and will be opening it this coming weekend. Yup, not open yet.

So in poking around I raise the interest of someone inside. It's a friend of the owner who is helping with the renovations. He lets me in. They did a very good job. They still had the original 1940's Liquid Carbonic fountain, complete with ceramic syrup wells and matching original pumps. (I really wanted one of these, but they are impossible to find in good condition). There is was. We talked a bit about what was planned, and I'm happy to say that Staten Island is in good hands with the new owner. I wish him the world of luck and hope we get up on the phone some time soon.

It was very good to see Scott too (Hi Scott!)