August 28, 2003

Where Are They Now: The Schoolyard

SeesawI can't say exactly why, but for the last year or so I have found myself obsessed with searching through the internet trying to find kids I knew from childhood.

My friend Jessica says it's because I'm in a new stage in life with a house and kids, so the past seems that much more alluring and safe. Sometimes she says smart things. Don't be that impressed though. The rest of the time she makes fart noises and teaches my son to say things like "doody-bomb."

A few people I have found have gone on to lead some interesting lives. So without further delay, I present to you now... Grade School Acquaintance #1: Henry Camus.

I didn't know Henry too well, we weren't good friends, but he seemed like a nice enough guy. I'm sure he doesn't remember me at all, since I distinctly remember playing at his house only one time. But I do remember this-- We were looking for something to do, and at that time there was this awesome toy out called a VertiBird. It was a little helicopter with a working propeller, that actually flew in circles and up and down. Amazingly cool, and he had one.

I clearly remember the following exchange:
Me: "What do you want to do?"
Henry: "Well, we can play Junior Scrabble, or you can watch me play with my VertiBird."

Oh... may I??? That might be a clue why I only played there once.

So, where is he now? I Googled Henry and found out he is part of a European, self-described "ACTION-COMEDY DUO." It looks like they play music, juggle, and do acrobatics. Pretty crazy.

His website says: "The unlikely mix of naughty New York glamour and Swiss country-side naivete generates a gripping performance which holds the audience spellbound." Who did they get to write that copy? Winchester from MASH?

So there you have it. Henry, if you're reading this, I'd like you to know I've made my decision... The idea of spelling for points always seemed pretty lame, so I'd imagine a Junior Scrabble version of it can only be lamer. Therefore, I guess I'll watch you play with your VertiBird. When can I come over?

(You can see Henry here. He's the dude hanging from the pole on the left.)

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Posted by Steven | Archive
Comments

The Verti-Bird? Man, that was the greatest, well, second greatest, right behind the Strange Change Machine.

70's toys rocked.

Posted by: The Lunchbox at August 29, 2003 09:43 AM

It was so amazing. I don't know why, but I really thought it was called a Whirlybird. And according to that website -- whirlybirdcentral.com -- their FAQ even SAYS that a lot of people for some strange reason called it a Whirlybird, even though that was definitely not the name. Weird. Maybe they called it a Whirlybird in the commercial?

Posted by: Steven at August 29, 2003 10:08 AM

It may have come from Charles Schultz' Snoopy character who was a "Whirlybird" for a couple of weeks

Posted by: Z2 at November 4, 2003 05:09 PM

Holy shit! We used to HAVE one of those. No, whirlybird is definitely not the same thing .. that's what they call rotating vents on roofs down in the South. No, the Vertibird was da bomb. Remember the little red getaway car with a hook on the back you would try to snag with the heli's hook?

Sweet.

Posted by: Big D at November 14, 2003 05:31 PM

I dunno if anyone reads this far back in the posts (I'm new to The Sneeze and still catching up on all the hilarity) HOWEVER....you can get new off brand Vertibirds, boys :)

I bought one for my 10 year old son last year for Christmas and my son and hubby have been happily flying many a mission ever since!

I hope you gentlemen find one so you can enjoy 'em with your kids!

Cheers!

Posted by: Bethy at September 24, 2004 06:38 PM