[gmku]

I coined it from the word sodajerk--the guy behind the counter at a soda fountain. Common in the 50s when drug stores had soda fountains (that is, a counter where you order soda drinks and ice cream dishes and stuff). The sodajerk was the guy (usually a high school kid) who filled the Coke glasses, dished the ice cream, made the shakes and malts, etc.

[Lurker]

Ah right. We don't have drug stores in En-gland.

[gmku]

Well, even if you had them like we do, you wouldn't find soda fountains or soda jerks. They're 99 percent a thing of the past.

[Lurker]

What a shame; What an age to live.

[gmku]

Believe it or not, I'm old enough to have experienced the soda counter thing. I lived in a little town that was still clinging to some of those things in the late 60s. When I was like 12 or so I used to hang out in this drug store where I could sit at a big long counter and order cherry Cokes for like 15 cents. They mixed it right there--put the cherry sryup in your glass then poured Coke from the fountain over it. Haven't had a cherry Coke nearly as good ever since.

Then I'd go over and raid the new comic books and walk out with an armful for the week.

Great store. I went back about a year ago just out of nostalgia and the place was still there, still a drug store, but it was all different. No soda counter, no comic books. Just an anonymous looking drug store. It was pretty depressing.

[Lurker]

Wow that sounds great.

[gmku]

Yeah, I was very fortunate as a kid growing up, because I lived in some very sweet little towns. Imagine Mayberry from the Andy Griffith show, all cozy and pretty and tree-lined, little family grocery stores on the corners. You could leave your doors unlocked all the time. Ride your bike to the swimming pool without worrying about traffic. Baseball games in empty fields.

I mean, seriously, it was idyllic. I don't think most kids have it so good today, even in the best neighborhoods.

[acousticrock87]

Originally Posted by gmku

Believe it or not, I'm old enough to have experienced the soda counter thing. I lived in a little town that was still clinging to some of those things in the late 60s. When I was like 12 or so I used to hang out in this drug store where I could sit at a big long counter and order cherry Cokes for like 15 cents. They mixed it right there--put the cherry sryup in your glass then poured Coke from the fountain over it. Haven't had a cherry Coke nearly as good ever since.

I still do that at bars. Until last month I was underage, so I kept them appeased by ordering cherry coke, and I could usually stay hanging around without getting checked. Bar cherry-cokes are amazing, made just like that.

But rarely are there comics.

[Lurker]

It really does sound lovely. And all that freedom.


I don't know what the Andy Griffith show is. I'm English, see.

[gmku]

Yeah, I should try that. I'm afraid they might just whip out a can of Cherry Coke, though.

[gmku]

Originally Posted by Lurker

It really does sound lovely. And all that freedom.


I don't know what the Andy Griffith show is. I'm English, see.

Sorry. You know Leave it to Beaver?

Anyway, quaint true Americana towns, like stuff from a Norman Rockwell painting. I lived in those wonderful, friendly places all through grade school and into junior high. Even though my parents weren't extremely well off (my dad was a teacher), my life felt very rich. But yeah, I think the greatest part of it was the freedom. I never remember my parents having to worry about where I went.

[acousticrock87]

Originally Posted by gmku

Yeah, I should try that. I'm afraid they might just whip out a can of Cherry Coke, though.

I've never seen it, but I suspect it's a valid fear. Either way, if they pull one out you can specify. They have all the ingredients, even it's not standard.

[gmku]

You've never seen a can of Cherry Coke? I think they're awful. They taste nothing like a real mixed cherry Coke.

[Lurker]

I've heard of Leave it to Beaver but don't know what it is. I think I know what you mean anyway.

Fancy writing a limerick about it? Or several in a sequence making one larger poem.

[acousticrock87]

Hah no, I've seen one. I've just never seen a bartender pull one out when I ask. But I agree, canned is shit.

[gmku]

Oh, okay. Yeah, I tend to be rather passive in bars and just take whatever they give me. I need to be more assertive in my bar presence, more Bond-like.

What are the proportions--syrup to Coke?

[Lurker]

And more Bond like in your posts, remember?

[Cantankerous]

i tried to write one
but i can't

[acousticrock87]

Yeah, I think actually I would just take the can, too. But I imagine my advice would work for the assertive people out there.

[gmku]

Originally Posted by Lurker

And more Bond like in your posts, remember?

Thank you. Yes.