A Childhood Obsession with Garbage Pail Kids! (And Why I Never Had Them)

Hey there, fellow nostalgics! Today, I’m taking a little detour from the usual grind. My book, Under the Lifeguard's Watch, is still calling my name and Casper and Soren are really pushing me to get their story just right. And while Saturdays are typically reserved for my beloved Saturday TV memories (hello, Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling!), I've got so much on my plate right now that a GLOW post will have to wait for another day. Saturday GLOWcase will be back, I promise!

But today, I just had to talk about something that was a massive part of my childhood wants, a true relic of the 80s that drove some parents absolutely bonkers and kept teachers on a constant hunt for contraband: Garbage Pail Kids. Now, before you start picturing my own childhood collection, let me clarify: I never actually got Garbage Pail Kids as a kid. I knew better than to even ask Mama. Daddy's reaction was a dismissive wave and a pronouncement that they were "stupid" and that baseball cards were a far superior investment. He even started a collection for me, which I mostly ignored, more interested in the cute players than the stats. Daddy eventually took them away from me and continued collecting cards throughout the years. I think Becki still has Daddy's card collection. As for Garbage Pail Kids, much like every other kid showing theirs off, they likely would have been confiscated by my teachers anyway. So, while I didn't own them, their legend definitely loomed large in my late elementary school years.

Do you remember those wonderfully disgusting trading cards and stickers? Man, they were everything to a 10 year old! Released by Topps back in 1985, these bad boys were a hilarious and utterly gross parody of the incredibly popular Cabbage Patch Kids. While Cabbage Patch dolls were all about sweetness and adoption, GPKs were their ugly, booger-picking, eyeball-popping counterparts. And we absolutely loved them!

The creative minds behind these masterpieces were Mark Newgarden and the legendary Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Art Spiegelman, among others. The main creative artist, John Pound, truly brought these characters to life with his perfectly grotesque illustrations, and he had a fantastic team helping him out, including talents like Tom Bunk, James Warhola and Jay Lynch.

They were all the rage, and it felt like every kid in the cafeteria and on the playground was trading them and showing off their latest finds. But, as you can imagine, something so delightfully rebellious wasn’t going to fly everywhere. Schools all over started banning them left and right. I remember the constant threat of confiscation; it was like a secret mission just to bring them to school! And then, of course, the inevitable happened: the creator of the Cabbage Patch dolls slapped Topps with a lawsuit. It was a whole big thing, but it honestly just made them even cooler to us kids.

From the iconic Adam Bomb, whose head literally explodes, to the delightfully morbid Ghastly Ashley, there were over 600 cards released across 16 different series. And get this – they were produced in tons of countries, so kids all over the world got to revel in their gross-out glory. What was really neat was that most cards came in two versions, "a" and "b," with the only difference being the name of the character. So, you'd have, say, Nasty Nick and Evil Eddie, both featuring the same awesome artwork. It added another layer to the collecting craze, trying to get both versions of your favorites!

While they had their heyday, GPKs definitely faded from the mainstream for a while. But here’s the cool part: they started making a comeback in 2003 and Topps has even re-released some of the original series for special anniversaries. You can now find them in their "Chrome" edition, released in 2023. And for those of you who held onto our childhood treasures, well, you might be sitting on a goldmine! Recent auctions on eBay have shown just how much some of these can be worth. I saw one Nasty Nick sell for an astonishing $8,049! And his other identity, Evil Eddie, a little behind but still going for an eye popping $2,224. Of course, these are definitely rare cases, but it just goes to show you that if you still have your old Garbage Pail Kids tucked away somewhere, you never know – they just might be worth a pretty penny. It makes me wish I hadn't spent my extra money on tapes, candy and gum!

So, what are your Garbage Pail Kids memories? Did your teachers confiscate them? Did your parents think they were a waste of money? Share your stories in the comments below! And if you enjoy these little trips down memory lane, or if you're just looking for more unique content, consider chipping in a little something to keep this blog going. Every bit helps me dedicate more time to these fun dives and, of course, stay tuned for more updates regarding my progress on getting Under the Lifeguard's Watch out into the world for Casper and Soren!

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My toes are still dipped into "Under The Lifeguard's Watch" – Another Deep Dive into My Writing Journey!

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to share another update on my book, Under The Lifeguard’s Watch. It feels like a lifetime since I started writing it and it's been a journey of twists, turns and a whole lot of soul-searching.

Life, as it always does, has a way of throwing curveballs, right? Between work commitments and those inevitable ups and downs that come with just, well, being human, the revisions for Under The Lifeguard’s Watch have been a slower process than I initially hoped. I haven't stopped writing, not by a long shot, just had to pump the brakes a little. It’s funny, sometimes getting back into the rhythm and truly stepping into the world of Casper and Soren can be a challenge. When my own mind (much like Casper) is buzzing with real-life worries, I really have to pause and make sure I’m not accidentally injecting those anxieties into their story. Though I’ve been there many times, their world deserves to be its own unique space, untainted by my immediate reality.


But despite the detours, I’ve been diligently working on some really cool and fun elements to truly immerse you, the reader, into Soren and Casper’s world. Get ready to be pulled right into their lives, the lives of those around them and their unforgettable experiences! I'm currently on chapter 26 of revisions and also developing fun extras that will be included in the book. And for those of you with a keen eye, keep an out for some neat little, historically accurate, easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book. They might just transport you back to a time and place that feels wonderfully familiar.

From the very beginning, my vision for Under The Lifeguard’s Watch has been to create a novel that appeals to a wide audience. While it’s certainly suitable for young adults, I truly believe it’s a story that resonates with all ages – from mature preteens to adults. If this book were to ever grace the silver screen (and a guy can dream, right?), I’d confidently say it would be a PG-13 rating. There’s a touch of violence, yes, but at its heart, it’s a romance – just not the "spicy" kind, if you know what I mean. If you’re craving something with a bit more heat, I’ve got a fantastic list of my favorite LGBTQ+ spicy reads I'd be happy to recommend! Oh, and this is just the beginning of Casper and Soren's adventures! I've already got the outlines for the next four books in the series, complete with some fantastic new characters who will be introduced along the way.

For those of you who’ve been following my progress from the early days, you know how this whole adventure began. It all sparked from a vivid memory of a summer trip to Tiki Island waterpark, specifically that exhilarating first time I dared to go down a free-fall waterslide. That memory then blossomed into a fantasy version of the lifeguard I had a crush on, evolving from a simple 13-chapter love story into the 32-chapter (and possibly 33, 34 or 35 chapter!) novel it is today. To break up the monotony of just words on a page, I’m thrilled to be incorporating some fun and special artistic elements into the book. It’s a little taste of my own artistic talents, and I have to give a shout-out to my amazing 8th-grade art teacher, Mrs. Janice Griffin. She had this wonderfully sarcastic way of telling us there was "no right or wrong way to create art" as she graded our work – classic! But truly, I loved her for it. Even though I wasn’t exactly a prodigy with a pencil or crayon, her lessons to think outside the box really stuck with me, especially during my performing days. If you’ve seen me sing, you know I'm probably not what you'd imagine.

I’ve also been trying to keep up with my blog, sharing memories, reviews and other stories I'm eager to tell. However, my absolute top priority right now is getting Under The Lifeguard’s Watch published. So, my blog posts will slow down just a tiny bit over the next few weeks as I push towards the finish line.

And speaking of cool news, beyond the progress I've already shared, I’ve officially acquired the ISBN number for the paperback edition, along with the Library of Congress Control Number! It feels so incredibly real now. My initial plan is to release the paperback edition and once that's out in the world, I'll definitely explore releasing it on the various eBook platforms. Since this is a self-published venture, the printed edition will be truly special for that nostalgic feeling of holding a physical book, especially since the story itself is a delightful dive into the late 1980s. Just a heads-up, you might need your device handy to scan a few QR codes sprinkled throughout – adding a modern twist to a nostalgic journey!

I'm pouring my heart and soul into this and I can't wait for you all to experience the world of Under The Lifeguard’s Watch. Your support means the world to me, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and what you're most excited about in the comments below. Every little bit of encouragement helps fuel this journey!

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The Tape King of the Flea Market: Stig's Shady Shenanigans

A few weeks ago, I shared my Columbia House/BMG story. Now let me tell you about my friend Stig (not his real name, as I prefer to keep his true identity under wraps) and his ingenious (though slightly mischievous) method of making money back in the day. Stig was a bit of a legend among our group for his creative ways to turn a profit. Just in case you're curious, he was one of my friends during my hustling days. One of his best schemes, during his middle and high school years, involved the good old Columbia House and BMG music clubs. Just like me, Stig had no intention of paying for those “free” tapes.

Picture this: Stig, with his knack for finding loopholes, realized he could exploit the Columbia House and BMG music clubs by ordering multiple sets of tapes under different variations of his name, as well as made-up names. Stig's grandma owned and ran a trailer park with a bunch of vacant lots but full-sized mailboxes. His method was simple: find every postcard in magazines offering those tempting “12 Tapes for a Penny” deals, fill them out with different names, and wait for the magic to happen. Stig didn't just depend on his sister's "Seventeen" magazine; he went to gas stations, pulled out the postcards from the magazines, bought a can of Pepsi and a Slim Jim, and walked out of the store with a stack of music club and magazine subscription cards. A few weeks later, boxes of tapes would arrive at his house and his grandmother's trailer park mailboxes, which were only a few blocks away from Stig's house. Stig was always helping his granny around the trailer park with little tasks for money, so it wasn't unusual for him to be seen around the trailer park in the afternoons after school.

But Stig didn’t just sit on his haul. No, he always had a plan. He had a booth at the local flea market where he sold items left behind by people who moved out of his grandma's trailers. This was the perfect opportunity for him to sell his ill-gotten tapes for $5 to $6 each. His stock was impressive, and he quickly became known at his school as the go-to guy for the latest hits, never offering a discount to his friends. Each week, his classmates would ask what new tapes he had, and his answer was always, "Come on by and see." And they did. People would flock to his booth every weekend, eager to see what new treasures he had in stock.

Stig’s flea market booth thrived for years. He managed to keep the operation running smoothly by continuously ordering more tapes under different aliases and always staying one step ahead of the collection agencies. His parents, blissfully unaware of his entrepreneurial exploits, just thought he had a knack for finding abandoned items to sell.

Stig also had another trick up his sleeve to make even more money from those that couldn't afford his full, yet low price. He would make copies of the tapes onto blank TDK, Maxell, Sony, and Memorex tapes and sell those at a discount. Then, he would re-shrink wrap the original and sell it at his regular full price of $5 to $6. This way, he maximized his profits while keeping his customers happy with both original and discounted copies.

Remember I mentioned he collected magazine subscription cards too? Stig's booth didn’t just consist of left-behind items and music club tapes (and later, CDs); he also sold magazines ranging from Playboy to Good Housekeeping to Highlights for Children, using a magic marker to mark out the name and address where they were delivered. I asked if he ever tried the VHS or Book of the Month clubs to stock his booth, and his answer was no. He said books would mean people would hang out in his booth too long reading, and the VHS club seemed harder to scam for some reason. I joined the Columbia House Movie Club back in the 90s, and I agree, it was definitely more tightly run than the music version.

Stig’s story is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of a kid determined to make a little extra cash. While the ethics of his method might be equal or slightly more questionable than my own, there’s no denying the ingenuity behind it. And let’s be honest, those were the days when getting music was an adventure, and each tape came with its own little drama.

Where is Stig today, and what does he do for a living, you ask? He did not inherit his grandmother's Trailer Park, it was leveled and redeveloped as an assisted living facility in the early 2000's. Let's just say he’s an entertainer of sorts, still offering content to those willing to pay and has an impecable gift of helping people avoid trouble when they are in tight spots.

Sort of Stig back in the day

Looking back, it’s amazing how a penny could buy so much...chaos and creativity. Stig turned a simple mail-order scam into a thriving business, and his legacy lives on in the stories we still share. And speaking of creative ventures, thoughtful comments or whatever from my readers are always appreciated!

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Saturday GLOWcase: Celebrating G.L.O.W. Memories with Mike Rand

This week's Saturday GLOWcase celebrates one of the biggest fans and supporters of the GLOW brand, Mike Rand. I've known Mike Rand for a very long time and our mutual love for celebrating the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (G.L.O.W.) has been a fantastic journey. Mike and I are passionate about sharing what we can for fans to enjoy regarding this iconic show from long ago and our mutual goal of introducing new fans to G.L.O.W. remains unwavering. Although we've never met in person, there was a fleeting moment in 2018 when our paths almost crossed at a charming Chinese restaurant and karaoke bar in New York City's Chinatown. I look forward to the day we finally meet and can reminisce about our G.L.O.W. adventures face-to-face.

Mike with GLOW Girls Royal Hawaiian, Lightning and Hollywood

Growing up in the '80s, Saturday mornings were Mike's favorite time of the week. It was a period filled with his beloved cartoons and thrilling wrestling shows. One memorable Saturday, as he flipped through the channels at noon on New York's WPIX Channel 11, Mike stumbled upon something extraordinary—women's wrestling! It's fascinating that WPIX is the channel where Mike discovered and faithfully watched the show. Many other fans I know also discovered and enjoyed GLOW on WPIX. This was also the channel where I got the best reception on my handheld Realistic branded PocketVision 22 with a 2-inch screen from Radio Shack during the days I was homeless back in 1992, though GLOW was long gone by then.

Mike with Little Egypt of GLOW

At that time, Mike was already a devoted WWF fan, eagerly tuning in every week to watch his favorite male wrestlers in action. However, the concept of women wrestling was entirely new to him. When he first saw these fierce ladies step into the ring, he was captivated by their athleticism and charisma. The excitement of watching them battle it out, get into intense fights, sing catchy songs, rap with swagger, and even perform hilarious comedy sketches was exhilarating. It was a thrilling and dynamic spectacle that went beyond traditional wrestling, combining elements of entertainment in a way he had never experienced before. This unique blend of athletic prowess and theatrical flair hooked him instantly, making G.L.O.W. an unmissable part of his Saturday mornings.

Mike interviewing GLOW's original Russian, Ninotchka

The characters on G.L.O.W. were not only entertaining but also undeniably gorgeous, each with their own unique flair and charisma. Choosing a favorite was nearly impossible for Mike because so many of the wrestlers stood out in their own special ways. Each woman brought something different to the ring, from their dazzling costumes and captivating personas to their impressive athletic skills and showmanship.

Mike with head GLOW writer Steve Blance

However, two of Mike's absolute favorites were Hollywood and Sally the Farmer’s Daughter. Both of these women were not just fantastic wrestlers; they looked like models with their stunning appearances and commanding presence. Hollywood's bad girl persona and Sally's wholesome, country girl charm made them natural rivals. Their matches were always electrifying and filled with intense energy.

Mike Interviewing GLOW's Godiva

Their chemistry was incredible, making every encounter in the ring a must-watch event. It wasn't until years later that Mike discovered they actually attended the same high school, which added a layer of authenticity and depth to their rivalry. Knowing that their competitive spirit was rooted in real-life connections made their in-ring battles even more genuine and exciting for fans like Mike.

G.L.O.W. (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) was a significant part of Mike's Saturday mornings. It aired on Connecticut's WTTX Channel 20 at 10:00 am and 11:00 pm during its first two seasons, providing prime-time slots that allowed fans to immerse themselves in the thrilling action and entertainment. After the first two seasons, Mike had to rely on the New York station, WPIX Channel 11, for season 3, which continued to feed his growing passion for the show.

Unfortunately, by the time season 4 rolled around, G.L.O.W. was moved to a late Saturday/early Sunday slot at 2:00 am, a challenging time for many fans to tune in. This change in schedule led to the show struggling to maintain its viewership, and it stopped airing after just 12 episodes. Mike, like many other devoted fans, was disheartened to see G.L.O.W. quietly disappear from the airwaves, leaving a void in his Saturday morning routine.

It wasn't until the advent of the internet that Mike realized there were 14 more episodes of G.L.O.W. he had never seen. The excitement of discovering these lost episodes and finally getting to watch them brought back a flood of memories. However, it also highlighted the sadness of the show's untimely disappearance. Despite this, the legacy of G.L.O.W. continued to live on in the hearts of its fans, including Mike, who loved every moment of the show and its impact on the world of wrestling entertainment.

Mike and Lightning

Mike's list of favorite wrestlers is extensive, including Hollywood, all three Farmer's Daughters, Godiva, The California Doll, Tina Ferrari & Ashley Cartier, The Heavy Metal Sisters, The Housewives, Ninotchka, Spanish Red, Mt. Fiji, and many more. Each one brought something special to the ring. Some of his favorite segments included Tiffany’s G.L.O.W. Gossip, Godiva’s Bare Facts, Asking Ashley, and California Doll’s Points To Ponder. The battle royals were always a highlight, as were the matches between Sally & Hollywood, Americana & Ninotchka, Mt. Fiji & Big Bad Mama, and the chaotic encounters with The Heavy Metal Sisters and Godiva.

Over the years, Mike has been fortunate enough to befriend many of the incredible ladies from G.L.O.W. His passion for the show and genuine admiration for these women led to lasting friendships that he cherishes deeply. Mike's involvement with G.L.O.W. took a significant turn in 2012 when he had the opportunity to participate in the G.L.O.W. documentary. This project allowed him to share his insights and experiences, contributing to the preservation of the show's legacy.

In addition to the documentary, Mike took it upon himself to run a fan page dedicated to the G.L.O.W. ladies. This platform became a hub for fellow fans to connect, reminisce, and celebrate their favorite wrestlers. During the pandemic, Mike seized the opportunity to take his passion a step further by interviewing a few of the G.L.O.W. stars and sharing their stories on YouTube. What started as a couple of interviews quickly blossomed into a full-fledged series, with 15 interviews to date.

These interviews provided fans with a deeper understanding of each wrestler's backstory, offering unique insights into their journeys both inside and outside the ring. Through these conversations, Mike helped keep the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, ensuring that the legacy of these trailblazing women continues to inspire and entertain new generations of fans.

Though G.L.O.W. eventually left the air, it remains special to Mike because of the wonderful memories he has of watching it and getting to know these remarkable women. They were true trailblazers, paving the way for future generations of female wrestlers, whether they realized it or not.

Mike and Hollywood

Connect with Mike Rand and dive deeper into the world of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling by following him on his social media platforms. Join the community on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmikerand, X (formerly Twitter) at x.com/mikerandcom and Instagram at instagram.com/officialmikerand. Don't miss out on his engaging interviews and content on YouTube at youtube.com/@OfficialMikeRand and visit his official website at https://mikerand.com for more updates and exclusive content.

As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of G.L.O.W. Whether you met any of the wrestlers in person, watched their mesmerizing performances, or were inspired by their strength and charisma, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments and share your memories of GLOW. Let's honor these incredible women, crew and fans together! If you feel inspired to support our efforts in keeping the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, your contributions in any form are greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps me continue sharing these stories and celebrating the legacy of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
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The Great Columbia House Scam of My Youth

Long before Napster reared its ugly head and opened the floodgates to music-sharing sites, before iTunes, and before the Feds, RIAA, MPAA, FBI, CIA, or any other acronym-heavy organizations started nosing around our computers, we had Columbia House and BMG music clubs to "devalue" the music industry. When I say "devalue," I mean it in a humorous way, not an offensive one. I believe these companies must have made legitimate profits; otherwise, they wouldn't have lasted as long as they did. Over the years, I came to realize the true value of media but back in the day, free stuff clouded my mind.

I was a creative and somewhat deprived child. My mom's idea of getting that hot new tape all the other kids were listening to was taping it off the radio, which entailed holding an old cassette tape recorder up to a radio speaker—or better yet, the TV and recording it onto a cheap Certron, Laser or of I was lucky Memorex or Sony branded tape. My copy of the "The Sound of Music" soundtrack was one of a kind. Just under Julie Andrews singing "My Favorite Things," you could hear my dad in the background proclaiming, "The Sound of Music is the BEST movie ever made!" and my mom screaming from another room, "Turn that shit down!!!" My bootlegged "Like a Virgin" tape wasn't much better, thanks to Mom's voice chiming in with "Tell that whore to shut up and dress herself up!" during "Dress You Up." Not exactly playlist-worthy recordings.

So, back to devaluing the music industry pre-internet. How did Columbia House or BMG ever make money? Picture it: you're flipping through Seventeen magazine, and out pops a postcard reading, "12 Tapes for a Penny." IN-TER-EST-ING! How many more issues of Seventeen are in the house? Four to six weeks later, four boxes arrive in the mail addressed to variants of my name. Forty-eight tapes, all for free! No more smokers' cough and banging on my door followed by a voice telling me to turn that shit down. Four weeks later, four different bills arrive. Bills? For free tapes? Must be a mistake. We'll just file that under "86." Bill, bill, bill, garbage, garbage, garbage.

Eight weeks later, the novelty of my 48 tapes had long since worn off. Need more tapes...Damn, I can only find two order cards. Six weeks later, 24 more tapes arrive in the mail. Four weeks later, six bills arrive addressed to my clones. My mom asks, "What are all these bills coming to you for?" My reply: "Dunno!" Then came the final notices, times six. Shortly after, a collection agency called North Shore started sending bills and demands for payment. What ever will I do? I know—I’ll fix it so no one will ever find out. Change of address...Family moved to New Hampshire. No one lives there, so who would ever tell?

My parents never caught onto my early life as a mail fraudster, nor do I think they understood why their mail seemed to have been redirected and lost for over six months when the forward request expired. Those were the days when getting music was an adventure, and each tape came with its own little drama. When I shared this story with a friend, he one-upped me with his own Columbia House/BMG Music Club tale, which I’ll be sharing in the future with his permission. Looking back, it’s amazing how a penny could buy so much...chaos and creativity. And speaking of pennies, thoughtful comments or whatever from my readers are always appreciated!

Saturday GLOWcase: The Unforgettable Journey of Tina Ferrari

I first discovered GLOW towards the end of season two and quickly became a fan of several characters, including Hollywood, Vine, and Tina Ferrari. When the show moved to a different station for season three, almost the entire cast changed, and Tina was no longer part of it. This was disappointing, but I enjoyed the matches I had on VHS tapes and thought Tina was one of the most amazing ladies of GLOW.

Lisa Moretti, known to us as Tina Ferrari, graduated from USC in 1984 and had cheered for the L.A. Express in the United States Football League. Between jobs, her friend Nadine convinced her to join a boxing gym in Watts, where Mando Guerrero was training young actresses in wrestling. Despite the grueling training, they were invited back and eventually headed to Las Vegas to shoot a pilot for GLOW. Lisa was super nervous for her first wrestling match and felt completely unprepared, but watching the pilot episode, you'd never know. GLOW's mix of quirky characters, fun costumes, and comedy sketches allowed everyone to get creative. Lisa as Tina fit right in alongside Nadine, who became Ashley Cartier.

Matt Cimber named their tag team "T&A" (Tina & Ashley) as a cheeky nod to their most obvious assets. David McLane and most of the original cast stayed at the Riviera Hotel for nine months to finish two seasons of GLOW. Tina roomed with Ashley and reconnected with their friend Annette from cheerleading, who became GLOW’s Jungle Woman. Even without professional training, the ladies of GLOW made their characters memorable, crafting their own rap lyrics and designing their costumes. Tina credits the other performers for making her look good and acknowledges David McLane's continuous support for women's wrestling.

Me, Ashley Cartier, Pedro & Tina Ferrari

In 2017, I had the incredible opportunity to cruise with Tina Ferrari and her partner Ashley Cartier on the Norwegian Dawn, where I learned that after wrestling, Lisa transitioned to running a small pet services business. She found fulfillment in caring for her four-legged clients, providing a safe and loving environment. We had an amazing time in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize, and Tina was every bit the superstar I had hoped she would be. While in Cozumel, she and I raced on waterslides and played in a human-sized hamster wheel, where I inadvertently knocked her over, and she accidentally kicked me in the chest, leaving me with a huge bruise for a few days. It was AWESOME.

Tina and I in Costa Maya

One of the most amazing facts I learned about Lisa that week was that she had been taking singing lessons and became active in regional theatre. She was preparing to take on the role of Velma in a production of Chicago and treated a few of us to an impromptu performance of a full-on belted version of "All That Jazz." If I didn't already love Tina Ferrari during her wrestling days, hearing her sing a random show tune like that was enough to make me a fan all over again.