In Akron you’ll find a bowling alley called Station300, formerly known as Stonehedge. In addition to countless bowling lanes they have an equal number of modern and classic pinball machines available to play.
Station300 Bowling in Akron, Ohio (Image from Google Maps)
My brother Kenny and I have been visiting the place for years to play pinball. Not only do they always have a wide selection of machines but they have deals where you’ll get three games for two dollars. Not many other places do that in an era where the average price of a pinball game is one dollar per player.
There is a huge selection of pinball machines at Station300. (Image from Google Maps)
While grippin’ the flippers at Station300 (I still want to call it Stonehedge) you never know who you’ll meet or what they’ll say. We once met some guy with his wife, I think his name was Adam. He was really good at pinball, I couldn’t believe how easy he made it seem to get a ridiculous score. He told us we needed to check out this place called Vaporosity in Sharon, Pennsylvania near the Ohio border.
Vaporosity sells nicotine vape juice and accessories along with a wide array of used Blu-Ray disks, DVDs and video games. They also house a massive gallery of pinball machines. When we finally found the time to do so, my brother Kenny and I made the trek out to Vaporosity to see what it was all about.
We decided that on the way there we would stop at a record store near Youngstown called Fat Hippy Records.
The shop is owned by music enthusiast Zac Younkins from Brookfield, Ohio. At Fat Hippy you’ll find a huge selection of vinyl records, cassettes, CDs and novelties, the likes of which are rarely seen these days. Available genres include rock, pop, punk, ska, metal, doom, desert, sludge, jazz, funk, soul, hip-hop, rap, R&B, comedy, spoken, reggae, dancehall, world, traditional, folk, country and others.
Walking into Fat Hippy Records and talking to Zac was like linking back up with an old friend. I had never met the guy before, but we seemed to connect on a number of levels. We talked about movies, our music collecting hobbies, Pyle cassette decks and the upcoming Kool Keith concert at the Westside Bowl.
Zac told me about his Bandcamp fundraising project called the Fat Hippy Records Anniversary Compilation. It’s a yearly release featuring all-new tracks from artists like Kool Keith, Illogic, MC Homeless, Jazzy Lion Man and many others. All proceeds generated from the compilation’s sales are donated to the National Endowment for the Arts to keep art education in schools.
I thumbed through records for nearly an hour. I felt like I had made several scratches upon the surface, but there were hours left of digging to do in order to get through it all. I zipped on over to my favorite section, the stoner/doom metal records.
Stoner/doom metal records have the coolest album covers. This one is for Distorted Folklore by the band Orbiter.Heavy Trip’s Liquid Planet is a newly-released Canadian stoner rock record.
I have seen several great shows at Youngstown’s Westside Bowl, including Daikaiju, Miesha and the Spanks, Conan and most recently Bongzilla. On the vinyl rack sat Bongzilla’s newest album, Dab City. I hadn’t heard it yet, so I grabbed it and took it to the register.
On the way to the checkout counter I stopped at the hair metal cassette section. It had been too long since I’d taken a chance on a band that I’ve never heard before. Would the gamble pay off? Standing near the front of the display was the 1990 debut release from Nelson.
The three dollar risk ended up paying off tremendously. The cassette was excellent! Unearthing unique gems like this is the reason why I love the genre of rare hair. I even contacted my buddy Hair Metal Matt to ask if he’d ever heard the album. He was more than familiar with it and expressed his appreciation for the fact I owned the release on cassette!
During the checkout process, Zac was enthusiastic about the fact he uses hand-stamped paper bags when selling vinyl records. He told a story of visiting trendy shops in SoHo neighborhoods and witnessing them hand-stamping their takeout bags. He then told me he’d give out free Bill’s Bud Blog and “Hashlips” Harry Hughes stickers to customers!
Here’s the Fat Hippy Records hand-stamped paper bag.
My brother and I enjoyed our stay at Fat Hippy Records but it was time to drive a few minutes across the PA border to play some pinball.
Vaporosity in Sharon, PA (Image from Google Maps)
We walked into Vaporosity to a laid-back, calm atmosphere. The two employees were off in the corner watching a DVD movie, intensely discussing current plot points and their various storyline implications. I got the vibe that the guys who work here smoke vapes and watch movies all day, pulling from the thousands of used discs sitting on the shelves.
The pinball tables were located in a large room to the left of the vape shop. Most of the machines were turned off until you asked an employee to flip it on for you. All of the tables were operated on coin drop, there were no silly scan cards or loyalty programs to deal with.
Here are several of the machines you’ll get to play at Vaporosity. (Image from Google Maps)
One nice aspect of Vaporosity’s gallery is that they house some hard-to-find releases. We played a few of the lesser-seen tables such as Earthshaker, Houdini and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth featuring David Bowie.
Another thing I found unique about Vaporosity is the fact that vaping is allowed while playing pinball. At most arcades you have to sneak outdoors or into some sort of a broom closet to rip your portable vaporizer, but not at Vaporosity. They also have a bunch of rare vinyl and music memorabilia on display, including a unique collection of every physical release Lana Del Ray has ever produced.
On the way out we expressed our gratitude to the staff for their hospitality. We bought a used copy of Mortal Kombat 11 for Nintendo Switch, hopped in the car and headed home. Later on I ended up buying a Pyle cassette deck like Zac had recommended. I used it to listen to the Nelson tape! All had come full circle.
ALL SNARE DRUM SOUNDS SAMPLED MYSELF FROM REAL PINBALL FLIPPERS
Grippin’ the flippers. Man, I’m hittin’ the kickers. Achievin’ the high score while colored strobe lights flicker on the board. I’m playin’ a pinball game at the bowling alley on a rainy day.
Insert two coins for one play. Pull the plunger. Strike the ball with the force of wind and thunder. Shoot it up into the playfield. Hit your target like Baker Mayfield.
On a six-and-a-half-degree incline. React properly to keep the ball alive. Use the flippers. Catch the ball, turn ’em into grippers. Fling that thing, hit your target with a ripper.
Redirect the ball. Never, ever let it fall to the bottom of the board. Choose a different protocol. Hit the pop bumpers, give the ball a couple jumpers. The kickers and the slingshots always make you wonder where the
ball is gonna go! Where’s the pinball gonna go? Down the middle of the lane or in a rollover zone? A drop target hole or a saucer? Explode when you insert the coins, give the plunger a throw! Where’s it gonna go? Where’s the pinball gonna go? In a scoop, in a moat? Head to head, toe to toe? In a tournament, playin’ for the glory and the prize. Maybe in your basement, Banzai Run from ’89.
Avoid a tilt, but hit a nudge, just because you’d like to keep your game goin’, havin’ so much fun. Have a ton of quarters in pocket. Now, time to rock it. Hit a stationary target or a multiball socket.
How many points can you attain in the pinball game? Can you process all the action in your brain? Can you make the ball behave when it’s time to play? When you walk in the arcade at the end of the day?
A whirlwind spinner. Yes, this gimmick is a winner. If you’re a beginner you’ll wish your skills were much bigger. Gates block your ball from going a certain way. A stopper between the flippers keeps defeat at bay.
Activate a special mission or a bonus game. Never let random chance have the final say. Hit a quick tilt when your ball’s in the outlane. Get it in, get a tournament win; celebrate!
Where’s it gonna go? Where’s the pinball gonna go? Down the middle of the lane or in a rollover zone? A drop target hole or a saucer? Explode when you insert the coins, give the plunger a throw! Where’s it gonna go? Where’s the pinball gonna go? In a scoop, in a moat? Head to head, toe to toe? In a tournament, playin’ for the glory and the prize. Maybe in your basement, Frankenstein from ’95.
Man, you’re doin’ your best, but you just let the ball fall between the flippers once again. If you wanna win first or second in the tournament, better turn around and get points like a savage.
Get a free game. Match the numbers on the display. Active bumpers shoot you every which way. Solenoid sends me into the void. When I return, I get burned to my opponent’s joy.
Interactive backglass. Catchy graphics. Eye-popping design, ’89, Bad Cats. Theatre of Magic. Super tragic outcome if I don’t learn the angles real fast.
Been playin’ on the same coin for a long time. Onlookers multiply as my score climbs. Catch the ball in the flipper at the drop of a dime. And now I hit a prime line, and my score is enshrined.
Where’s it gonna go? Where’s the pinball gonna go? Down the middle of the lane or in a rollover zone? A drop target hole or a saucer? Explode when you insert the coins, give the plunger a throw! Where’s it gonna go? Where’s the pinball gonna go? In a scoop, in a moat? Head to head, toe to toe? In a tournament, playin’ for the glory and the prize. Maybe in your basement, Banzai Run from ’89. Where’s it gonna go? Where’s the pinball gonna go? Down the middle of the lane or in a rollover zone? A drop target hole or a saucer? Explode when you insert the coins, give the plunger a throw! Where’s it gonna go? Where’s the pinball gonna go? In a scoop, in a moat? Head to head, toe to toe? In a tournament, playin’ for the glory and the prize. Maybe in your basement, Frankenstein from ’95.
THE CARFETERIAfeat. MC SNAX
The Carfeteria is where I eat food. Always buy something to chew every time I’m on the move. Spendin’ big cash fast on a chicken nugget batch. Got a tray in the back. When I eat, it’s on my lap.
Got an Arby’s card, buy one get one sandwich. Flash it in the drive-thru. That piece of plastic is magic. I need some curly fries, too. And samplin’ of a side salad. Yes, I made out like a bandit.
…The Carfeteria. I eat there every day. Crumbs accumulate. Spill stains often take place. Fries between the seats. They have been there for weeks. They live among spare change, mints, and wrappers for sweets.
Got a cup holder that I need to clean. It’s obscene. At this point for me, a spotless car is a pipe dream. I might seem like I’m not tidy. My car is hiding crumbs and change in the seams and siding.
Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you, ’cause you have to. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you love the drive-thru.
Now not too many have mastered the art of eatin’ food like Big Snax has in the car. Though, I still make a mess and my car’s unsightly. The skill takes time, don’t take it lightly.
But I could eat a bowl of soup while my homie drives down a bumpy dirt road, and my food still survives. But like Don will tell ya, don’t be reckless. Drive with hands at 10 and 2, not while eatin’ breakfast.
There’s no joy sweeter than eatin’ in your car, but you should only do it if you’re safely parked. And if you’re scared to make a mess, it doesn’t have to be hard. You can start with something simple, like a protein bar.
But me? I like to hit up the drive-thru. Find a nice place to park with a scenic view. Outside my ride I confide no meal is complete. So yo, Particle Don, tell our homies where we eat!
Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you, ’cause you have to. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you love the drive-thru.
If you’re on the go, get some fries. Many times I have purchased potatoes cut into straight lines. Buy them with change you find. Fill your stomach, free your mind. Never operate a vehicle and eat at the same time.
Unless you’re at a stop light, and you’ve got your eyes wide. You don’t wanna get in a wreck or cause a side swipe. I like eatin’ food from Five Guys, ’cause it travels really nice in the car when I drive. Day or night.
The abyss is the spot between my seat and center console. I’ve dropped enough food in there to feed the student council. When I vacuum, gonna whistle a happy tune. It’s long overdue, many crumbs have accrued.
Many spills have taken place, many french fries went to waste. One time waffle fries fell outta my lap all over the place. Lost my entire snack across my floor mat. It set me back. Made me sad. I’ll never forget that.
Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you, ’cause you have to. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you love the drive-thru.
Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you, ’cause you have to. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! …You do it when you’re on the move. Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! Where do ya eat? IN THE CAR! You do it, do it, ’cause you must eat food.
I JUST SPENT SIXTY BUCKS AT THE DOLLAR TREE
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Ended up with crayons, glue, and string. How did this happen to me? I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, several bags I’m carrying. So much for downsizing.
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Uncontrollable shopping spree. Got paper clips and candy. I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, home I bring DVDs. So much for downsizing.
So many items in my arms, that I had to grab a cart. Where do I start? Garbage bags or in the aisle with crafts and art? Mini chocolate bars. Didn’t expect my bill to be this large. My excitement? Off the charts. They’ve got Tic-Tacs and Sweet Tarts.
Greeting cards. Happy birthday and thank you. They are two for a dollar. Pick some up for weddings, birthdays, baby showers. Yes, I got a calculator that I didn’t even need. On the back of the box it says this item contains mercury.
The Dollar Tree allows me to get the things I need, but three twenties left my wallet during this epic shopping spree. I went overboard. My grand total soared. Every item grabbed contributed to the double-digit price tag.
I did bad. Somehow bought dishwasher tabs. Ended up with push pins. Mini cups. A sketchpad. Staples. Wooden clothes clips. Gloves for your hands. Coloring books and birthday party loot bags.
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Ended up with crayons, glue, and string. How did this happen to me? I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, several bags I’m carrying. So much for downsizing.
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Uncontrollable shopping spree. Got paper clips and candy. I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, home I bring DVDs. So much for downsizing.
How do they do it? Everything’s a dollar. And they’ve got name brands. Everything from home supplies to pens and checkout impulse grabs. Sticky putty. Thumb tacks. Also, mini tissue packs. Stack after stack of maps on a spinning display rack.
Fifty-six items after tax. How ’bout that? I got me some colored sand and some mix for bubble baths. Tabletop place mats and flash cards for math. I got ten divider tabs and a box of waxy crayons.
Yes, they do have snacks. Cookies. Plastic silverware. Trays. Napkins. Paper towels. I could be in there for days. They have paper plates. Stacking games with unique shapes. Dollar Tree detour; put a smile up on ya face.
I got some neon glow sticks and a bubble blowing kit. I feel too legit to quit as I grab magnetic clips for my fridge. Food containers. Clothes hangers. It’s a trip. Yes, I am an addict. Got a glue stick and a new bucket.
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Ended up with crayons, glue, and string. How did this happen to me? I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, several bags I’m carrying. So much for downsizing.
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Uncontrollable shopping spree. Got paper clips and candy. I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, home I bring DVDs. So much for downsizing.
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Ended up with crayons, glue, and string. How did this happen to me? I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, several bags I’m carrying. So much for downsizing.
I just spent sixty bucks at the Dollar Tree. Uncontrollable shopping spree. Got paper clips and candy. I walked into this store for only one thing. Now, home I bring DVDs. So much for downsizing.
SICK OF IT
I can’t stand it. Man, I’ll tell you, I’ve famished. Hunger for Christmas is large. I need a sandwich. I need somethin’ to keep me from ‘causin’ damage. Sick of it, sick of it, sick of it. I’m a savage.
It’s time to ravage and cause pain across the planet. It’s time to prove that I’m sick of it and I can’t stand it. You have landed on an island. Now you’re stranded. Sick of it, sick of it, sick of it. I’m a maverick.
My name is Jack Skellington! I don’t have any hair. A few months before Christmas, I had a nightmare. I’m sick of Halloween. And I’m super lonely. Sally is the only one who understands me.
One night while wandering, I came across a magic tree with a portal to Christmas Town. An insane thing. Couldn’t believe what I saw. It was amazing. Everyone was happy. No one was complaining.
Now I plan my own Christmas celebration. To share with my fellow townsfolk the sensation of pure joy and love. But I can’t explain it. Can’t explain Christmas and all the love contained in it.
The only way that they’ll know what I’m tryin’ to say is to take over Christmas town without delay. Sally tries to tell me no, but I don’t listen. Tell her “Make me a coat!” I’ve got my evil intuition.
I can’t stand it. Man, I’ll tell you, I’ve famished. Hunger for Christmas is large. I need a sandwich. I need somethin’ to keep me from ‘causin’ damage. Sick of it, sick of it, sick of it. I’m a savage.
It’s time to ravage and cause pain across the planet. It’s time to prove that I’m sick of it and I can’t stand it. You have landed on an island. Now you’re stranded. Sick of it, sick of it, sick of it. I’m a maverick.
Take Santa straight to Oogie Boogie, the boogeyman. Sally tried to save Santa, so he could stop Jack, but Sally got captured, too. Now she’s in danger. Christmas Town’s people notice the behavior
of Santa has changed. That’s ’cause Jack took his place. From the sky, wicked, evil presents rain. Jack’s under attack. He was shot out the sky. He decides now it’s time for Oogie Boogie to die.
Walks into the lair, now he fights the boogeyman. Rips apart the bad guy with his bare hands. Bugs n’ slugs fall out of Oogie’s body. They fall into the cauldron and continue rotting.
Jack promises he’ll return Christmas Town to the way it was found. All the people gather ’round and they play in the snow while Jack and Sally go to the graveyard and let their hearts glow.
I can’t stand it. Man, I’ll tell you, I’ve famished. Hunger for Christmas is large. I need a sandwich. I need somethin’ to keep me from ‘causin’ damage. Sick of it, sick of it, sick of it. I’m a savage.
It’s time to ravage and cause pain across the planet. It’s time to prove that I’m sick of it and I can’t stand it. You have landed on an island. Now you’re stranded. Sick of it, sick of it, sick of it. I’m a maverick.
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