Latest / The Pork Roll, Egg, And Cheese Podcast / The Mall

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The Mall · The Pork Roll, Egg, And Cheese Podcast

• Herbie: I am Herbie. Shamus: That's all you got today. ⁓ Herbie: I'm not gonna... Not yet. Shamus: How was your week bud? ⁓ Herbie: Good man, you know work and all that stuff and you know, I'm glad it's over because I'm off this weekend So I get to rock out and hang out with Lord Seamus. That's nice discussions Shamus: Cool. I just wish this weather would get more consistent, but we're getting there. We're getting there. No. Herbie: It's definitely not kayak weather yet, I mean, it looks pretty out there, but it's not. No. Shamus: Did you get that thing I sent you about the kayak thing they just opened up in Medford? Do you know where that's at? No. I'll do some research. Herbie: Probably. Yeah, we'll definitely find it because we got to do that. That'll be fun, Shamus: Yeah, yeah, because God knows there's a lot of leaks around here and everything. ⁓ yeah. So my week was pretty good. I'm working out of school this time of year. It's starting to be like, yeah, same routine every day. Kids are getting anxious spring breaks next week, so by the time you guys listen to this, it'll be about two days away. So. Herbie: That's where I'm at right now too. It's like a rut. A primitive rut. Yeah. It's almost like groundhogs day. Like for me, work is always like groundhogs day, man. It's just like, you know, the Bill Murray movie. It's just the same stuff, same people, same faces, you know, unfortunately, sometimes it's like the same patients, know, they're frequent flyers and I call them. But, know, went through the work week and now may be able to hang out with Lord Seamus, you know, to have some little discussions. Yeah. Today's topic is about the mall. Shamus: The reason why I'm discussing that is I went to meet a buddy of mine up at Buffalo Wild Wings for buy one, get one boneless wings. A guy I worked with. We both retired. He retired shortly after I did. haven't seen him in a while. And as I was driving up to it, it's the one in Morristown. Yeah. Like I kind of looked over and there was all this construction going on the Morristown Mall. I guess they're putting condominium attaching all this stuff to the old mall And I just thought to myself, I'm like, man. God, how I miss a mall. Herbie: Yeah, me too. You know, I used to work, you know, I used to work at a mall like a long time ago. Which one? I worked at the Cherry Hill Mall, like early nineties. I worked at Merry-go-round and then I worked at Nine West and Merry-go-round was like probably one of my favorite jobs I ever had. Shamus: I never knew that about you, dude. You worked at a mall? Herbie: It was like, you know, early twenties and stuff like that. So was like, where all the chicks hang out at? The mall. Oh, absolutely. So, you know, I was like, oh, we're like really hot ones and stuff. And of course, Cherry Hill. Yeah, this had everybody in there. was just, oh, it's just wonderful. Shamus: Terry Hill. Herbie: when I started out, it was just fun. Like that type of store, the merry-go-round store that I worked in, I'm still friends with a lot of people still to this day. Like my, boss at the time still like one of my best friends. I still talk to every once in a while. Yeah. Cause you know, he's, you know, big tall dude. And we used to, uh, I used to drive, he'd drive out to Philly. Shamus: That's awesome. Herbie: Cause he lived in Philly. when I bring like my Genesis game, we play like a New York giants versus the Eagles, you know, cause I'm giant training, he's Eagles fan and do the ⁓ play video games. ⁓ Joe Montana sports talk football. Shamus: ⁓ my God, you're showing your age here, Herbie: And then even like closing and stuff like that because like in that store was a clothing store So was like, you know, one side was like guys stuff and the other side was women's apparel and stuff So when we did the cleanup ⁓ We would play like movies like on the on the little video TVs that they had there So we like just play Star Wars during like the cleanup times and then that's when a jerky boy started getting popular and I had the DVD or the CD I'm sorry, and I was like, ⁓ Tony you gotta you gotta listen to this stuff So we're just listening to the jerky boy albums Shamus: I was a huge fan. Those dooders. Maybe not the movie, but the audio CDs and stuff. Herbie: Yeah. chance though I think Jerky Boys 2 there's actually a playable game on that CD which is great. Shamus: What do mean, like the compact disc? Herbie: Yeah. Really? Yeah, there's yeah, there's a you could like the old like, you know, computers and stuff like that. There was a couple of like, you know, playable games on there. It was fantastic, dude. It was just like, you know, never potatoes that Jack Torson's asses and stuff. ⁓ it's like, know, and they had like ⁓ Pablo like there was like a little thing where it was Pablo in an elevator and he would press a button to go to like each floor and each floor was like a character, you know, like ⁓ the Egyptian magician and stuff. And you you click it was like clickable type stuff. And, uh, you would go to like the Egyptian new positions, um, apartment and he'd be in there and you'd click onto the flute and he'd be like, I still got that CD somewhere and it's great. But, yeah, like the mall was like one of my, know, just before I started working was like one of my favorite pastimes to hang out. Yeah. Like everyone, like our Gen Xers, we, everyone went to the mall, you know, Shamus: gotta find it. Well, to me, it was this magical play like when you're growing up and you see fast times at Ridgemont. Yeah. Like everybody's at the mall. They're working at the mall. So like, you know, when we first started going like I still lived in Philadelphia. So it was like King of Prussia. Yeah. All that stuff. But you're still to look. But when we moved over to Jersey, we started going to like the Morse Town Mall, Cherry Hill Mall or the Brompton Center. Yeah, that was it to me. Those places where it was like this magical place where. You know, not only a ton of commerce was going on and you know, like, but like just the smell of the place, the people walking around, ⁓ you know, Burlington center always had that, ⁓ and they saved it. Thank God. The elephant with the kid. Yeah, they did move it somewhere. I forget where they, but they did save it. Herbie: Yeah, the faculty. I think they moved to the grounds for sculpture. It's in Hamilton. Shamus: Yes, that's exactly where. But I'm glad they saved it. But I mean, like I used to love like, you know, my mom would give me a couple like a nickel or a quarter or something like you make a wish in there then you'd walk around. ⁓ You know, you hit the food court and it's got that smell of, you know, any and cinnamon pretzels and then you've scottos pizza and you know, and there's always one or two Chinese places. I used to love the smell. I just love the smell of the mall. Like when you walked in. Herbie: Yeah man, the Chinese problems always make me so much stuff to do in the mall too, man. Like when I, when I first started out, like my, my first hangout place technically was the Quaker bridge mall. That's when I lived in Hamilton. And then of course, when I came up here in South Jersey, it was, it was the original, you know, Burlington center. Cause like the rest of my buddies, like we would go there. If we really had the extra gas or able to get out there farther, we'd go out to like Cherry Hill, Morse town, but you know, Burlington center was like, the spot to go to. absolutely. know, the space port, know, we are at the arcade. They had like Friendly's ice cream there. They had, you know, there was like so many different stores, like, you know, the video game stores, toy stores. They had like ⁓ allied hobbies because I was a ⁓ nerd, like painting like those little miniatures, D &D miniatures and stuff like that. My buddy actually the ones got me into doing that and like a little comic book shop. Shamus: have. It's amazing. As soon as you said Allied Hobbies, it was on the upper floor right across from right next to Sears in the corner. Like I can remember to this day where every store was. Herbie: It's even like an underneath of it was the spaceport that I think they even used the spaceport ⁓ They moved it twice because I remember the spaceport was over by JC pay It was like right across from friendlies and all that stuff too. I was perfect, man Shamus: The arcade thing. Yeah. I remember we got thrown out. ⁓ And when I say we, I mean my mother too. Really? Yeah. And it wasn't like, hey, get out of the whole mall. like the story because KB Toys was right there too. And I don't know who started it. But I came around the corner and my sister, my brother and my mother were beating each other with like the Nerf bats. I mean, viciously. Herbie: Yeah Shamus: And I was like, what the hell is going on? And like one turn around and hit me. So I like, so I grab and like the four of us are just wailing on each other with these nerve bats. Like these big sponge, like nobody's getting hurt. We're just having a good time. And like the manager came over like some 21, 22 year old kid was just like, excuse me, ma'am. We do not condone that kind of behavior. gave me two stars. You have to leave. Herbie: How many times do you really think they had that type of speed? Shamus: And like I just kind of and I just kind of looked at the dude and I didn't want to say anything to my mom but I'm thinking to myself like It's a toy store, dude. We're having a good time. Nobody's getting hurt and you're throwing us out. Yeah This is a woman with three kids who buys us toys all the time Herbie: I don't really want you to break the toys. Just climb and leave. Shamus: leave. So we were just like, all right, we'll go. But yeah, like, I don't know who started. I don't know if my sister hit my mom or my brother hit my sister. But somehow my mom got involved and it was all fun. Like, we're all laughing, having a good time and stuff. And yeah, it was was a vicious, vicious Nerf bat fight. Herbie: I remember like my, my buddy JB, like his, his mom worked at the Remington steel, uh, store. it was like, you know, blades and knives and swords and all that stuff. That's actually where I first, yeah, that's where actually where I got my first ninja sword at what 14 mom and they're like, what would you like for your birthday? I'm like, want a ninja sword. Shamus: Yeah, that was there too. you Do you remember upstairs they had and this was a huge mystery mystery to me too because at the time I think I was when we first moved over I was in Catholic school. So I to st. Pete's and Riverside Yeah, yeah, I went up until sixth grade and then he told me not to come back. But anyway Everybody had the jean jackets with the patches. Yeah, no kiss poison guns and roses and I'm like where the hell's all these people? I mean Riverside had like a small record shop, but then we had like two or three, four pack. They didn't have like the huge. So two or three of my buddies were like, you gotta go to East. And I'm like, what the hell is East? And they're like, it's a store in the Burlington Center. So I was like, all right, I'll check it out. So I found the place. My mom took me up there. But when you first walked in, it was like all this Oriental furniture and all this shit. So I'm like, these dudes sold me some bullshit. I go back to school one day and they're like, what'd get? I was just like. Herbie: Yeah. idyllic posters and stuff. Yeah Shamus: To me what I got, man, you sent me to some goddamn Oriental place that sells like. Bonds like a whole bunch of like bamboo chairs and shit. They're like the back. They're like, got to go to the back. Yeah, like this is a total setup. Like, I don't know if these guys are trying to get me trafficked or like, know, man, I would go back to the Burlington Center. I make my way to the back and it was almost like. Herbie: Yeah. Shamus: You know, like in a cartoon where the dude like spreads the grass apart and he walks in and is like, oh, there was this counter dude and there was all this 80s hair metal, heavy metals like. Posters everywhere and stuff like that, and I was just like, wow. Herbie: I mean I remember like the Asia, like the Asia, ⁓ psychedelic poster. Cause it was like the dragon in the water and stuff like that. And I had like that psychedelic pattern behind it. And it was just, my God, all those posters. Well, you know, it had the black light. Shamus: about it, I'll say the black light. So I walked in with Christ, maybe about three months worth of allowance, because, like I said, when my friends were like, you got to go to East, the next time I went to the Burlington Center was like two months later. So like I I went in, I was like, give me all your kiss stuff. Give me all give me that Guns N' Roses patch. Give me this and that. And when I went back on Monday, I was loaded. So I'm they were like, holy cow. Yeah, yeah. I still have a lot of that stuff like. Herbie: That's dope. The Burlington Center for me was like, I'm sure you do. You got it, man. ⁓ Shamus: ⁓ You know with the jacket stop fitting I guess my mom thought I was gonna buy a bigger jean jacket So she like strategically went back and cut all that stuff like I have every patch off that jacket upstairs in a trunk somewhere Herbie: for sometimes too, if you don't really have the patches, you actually use like a black permanent marker and start like writing names of bands and stuff. You know what mean? You a couple of pins and stuff. had like when I first moved into South like South Jersey, the previous owner left a jacket for me, but it was like an army jacket. has a couple of military like. And yeah, so I put that on my cool jacket. Yeah, I mean, trying to because like I was still like trying to build my credit on the damn jacket scene. So I had those and stuff, but, yeah, just going to like the mall, but like 20 bucks. you, know, back in the day, 20 bucks, you spend like, you know, most of that at the arcade, cause you wanted to beat a certain couple of games where your buddies is always like either like co-op and all that stuff. And you got like that one dude that's hanging out there with that, you know, that belt buckle thing with the, bandolier quarters. Shamus: Thank Herbie: I mean, that dude was always there and then had like, know, the regular, you know, the, change machine and stuff. And it just sit there for like hours playing these games and they're still like, ⁓ you know, maybe one or two games I still haven't beaten. But, know, if I had the money, I love to like have an arcade and just bring back some of those retro games and stuff. Shamus: I look every once in a while because you'll see them pop up on Facebook marketplace. Like there's one right now. It's the Commando game. It wasn't really big. But like certain games, I'm like, like like Wrestle Fest, like the WWE game where like they had the Royal Rumble. And like before somebody comes down, they show like the side picture of the dude, like I walk into the ring and then like the older games like. Herbie: Yeah. Shamus: Before it was Mike Tyson's punch out was just super punch out. Yeah. Where you were like the green see through guy. The Star Wars game. Oh, yeah. Digital one. You know, those are ones I would buy. I just I don't know. I mean, this house is pretty big. I don't know if I got any room for it. Herbie: at all the Star Wars games were like my stuff, too. I loved it. Remember, like when Tommy and his wife, they did like a birthday party for their son, Michael, and it was at ⁓ Chuck E. Cheese's or something like that. And they had a Star Wars game. And this is like maybe like maybe 20 years back or so. Now, I want to say in Cherry Home, like it's like it's in that other like ⁓ plaza or whatever the heck. Shamus: I can imagine. This is the Chuck E. Cheese outside the Burma Center. Herbie: So of course, I'm kind of like hyped up. I'm like, all right, well, it's like Chuck E. Cheese's. I'm thinking they'll have adult stuff. Cause I saw pictures like pictures, like pictures of soda and stuff like that. like, they got to have pictures of beer. Cause you got parents and stuff. Yeah. Yeah. Shamus: Too many parents fucked that up. People fighting and all that stuff, they fucked that up. Herbie: Yeah, but then I saw like this big freaking cabinet. It was a Star Wars game and had, you know, you could be like Luke Skywalker and you have like the control the lights here when you fought Darth Vader and you fought Boba Fett. And then they have like the bike. ⁓ biker speeder bike thing in the forest and all that stuff. So I'm sitting there and of course I'm like an adult and I got all these little kids and it's like one of those sit down cabinets. You know what mean? So it was like the big screen, the sit down cabinet type thing. And I had all these other kids just climbing all around the whole goddamn thing and like cheering me on because I was like I dropped like 20 bucks in this thing to the game. You know, it was great, man. But like all those arcade games were just like awesome to do it like in the Burlington Center. And then, you know, just you'd go to the food court and I'd go to the little Chinese place. And, know, there was like McDonald's like connected right to it. And then after a while, you guys were either walking into Sears and, know, check out the toy section and stuff like that. just do like a little kid and you're waiting for your parents to pick you up or anything, or you have like that one parent that would drop off the whole neighborhood at the mall. Shamus: But I was just going to say that like in my younger years, I always went with my mom And I used to love, even though it was crowded I used to love going to Christmas time because it was always like a like a nice Christmas. I mean, this was before people were like just totally like maniacs You would go in there and they'd have like all the Christmas stuff up. The Christmas music was playing and people were actually generally in a good mood. You know, it might have been a little bit. Yeah, there was a line for Santa and stuff. And like I always liked that atmosphere. But then when you became like a teenager, like when you hit a freshman high school kind of deal. You always had that one parent was just like, man, load up the family truckster. We'll take you all up to the mall and we'll pick you all up. And like, I was going to the arcade, but it was going in there for different needs or I was going to the food court for different, like I ⁓ was the mall for chicks. Herbie: ⁓ yeah. Yeah. That is. Yeah. Yeah. That's that's that's whatever. The show's going to the mall Saturday. We all got to go. I mean. Shamus: That's what we were there for. We were looking for. Exactly. Well, not only that, but like I came from a small school and no disrespect to any of the girls I ever went to high school with. You know, I love them all. Riverside only had like it was a small selection. So we went up the Bronx and see, let's see. Or we went to Cherry Hill. Yeah. Let's see what these other towns are all. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I always have to go check out the Herbie: Cherry Hill was like a whole new world. Shamus: the locals, you know what mean? Check out the resonance in different towns. Herbie: get to the point where you went there so much that, like you said, you can even think about the layout where the stores were and all that stuff. Shamus: Oh, I could. Yeah, you walked in, like right on the seer side, like where the it says broke center, the sunglass hut or that that thing was there and you they moved. What? They're still in Burlington and they have a if you're listening to this and I'm not trying to sell anything They have a deal where I don't know if they're still like 10 bucks. You buy like a pair of sunglasses for 10 bucks and you get a two year warranty. You break them, you lose them, whatever. You're in the computer. You walk in and go, you know, I lost mine. They give you a new pair. Nice. So and like they'll tell you, like when you buy a pair, they're like, hey, you lost these walking to the car. Right. And they give you like two or three other pairs. So like for 20 bucks, you get like three or four. ⁓ So but they were originally at the Burlington Center. Then you'd walk past there to a couple of stores and then you would hit the middle part. Yeah. And that's where Santa usually was. That's where the two escalators were. It was like an end. The court was right up at the top. And then you make a left and go to Easter. Yeah. Herbie: Of course they have like the movie like you know regal cinema is like the movie theater is like right across So like you had everything there you wanted as a kid either you're gonna go to the movies with your friends Where you're hang out the mall for like seven hours and stuff? Shamus: Right. I still go see movies at that because yeah, because now the mall is not there. It doesn't get a like. You can go see a movie that's supposedly sold out or anything. You just slide right into Brooklyn and that and more Voorhees. Like a lot of people don't know there's a I don't know if it's the name. It's not an AMC. It's the other one. I was going to make stuff, but like they're like real small movie theaters nobody really knows about. So but yeah, but the one you know, Burlington, there's nobody ever in there. Herbie: That was like the happening scene and stuff like that, you know, in high school, you know, go to the mall because everyone go there or do you go to the movie theater? Like, ⁓ moral ten eight was like a big hotspot for like Friday night in high school. Like I had a friend of mine actually got shot. Okay. Moral today, I don't know, dude. was like my buddy, Jerry. I wasn't there when it happened, but, ⁓ Shamus: You get shot in Marlton Herbie: You know, was like another thing, like a Friday night wherever, like all the schools would go, but that's what that's how, ⁓ you know, the friction would start because you'd have everyone else from other schools be there. So, I guess it was like during like the winter time or something. like, this is like during the triple down goose fat jackets, like the real thick ones and all that. And, ⁓ I guess he was talking smack to some people and they were in their car and the dude had like a, like a small shotgun or something like that with like birdshot. Shamus: ⁓ yeah, we had those. Herbie: Shot him. Like shot him in the arm and stuff like that. But, know, thank God the jacket kind of padded most of the impact. But it was like just like birdshot or something. I was like, Jesus Christ. First drive by, you know, for. Yeah, dude, I was like, what the hell, man? It was it was like one of those things you're like, ⁓ there's the Lenape kids or, you know, because like, you know, there was always like if you were from another school, everyone had that rivalry anyway. Shamus: Awesome. Getting out of here, Marlton. ⁓ absolutely. Absolutely. I never I never really wore like my varsity jacket anywhere. I never wore anything identifying, you know, you never knew where I was from or who I was with. But ⁓ and most of the time I never I'm like, really, dude, you guys want to fight because our parents bought houses in two different neighborhoods. ⁓ the fuck away from me? Herbie: Me neither. just for me. the school jackets were cool looking but I was like ehhh every time it was time for me to order I would just be like nevermind Shamus: Yeah, I don't even know where, I don't, I have no idea where my jacket, I still have my, I used be a volunteer fireman back when I was in high school and stuff like that. I still have that, I don't know where my varsity jacket is. Like I said, I never wore it anyway, so I don't. Herbie: I still have my soccer jersey and ⁓ my wrestling singlet. forget what else. I think it's about like, you know, souvenirs from like, you know, high school, like being on, you know, soccer and wrestling and stuff. But, know, the mall was, you could be there all the time, dude. Yeah. It just didn't matter, you know. Shamus: I said it's like I said, I just love going in there, And one one thing I did hate about them all and they kind of hit on it in that movie Mallrats. You've seen it. And fucking pictures where if you look at it, you see the schooner. Yes. I'm one of those guys that never see that guy. That's movie. They're like, relax your eyes. I'm like, how the hell do you relax your eyes, lady? Herbie: Of course, A little while to do it because that that that It's almost like you got to kind of like relax and kind of cross your eyes too though. Yeah. Kind of weird. I don't, I, it's got, you gotta get like some kind of Zen meditation and just like cross your eyes or something. It was, it was difficult for me to every once in a while you might be able to see like the, uh, the dolphin one. was like one, it was like one really big dolphin or something. But there was like, there was always like that thing where I had like three or four of them, on an easel and like that. Shamus: Fuck yourself. I've never seen any of those. ⁓ I'm saying like I was just kind of like I just I'm like what the hell's that actor's name he lost a ton of weight by the way he looks amazing but he's just standing there for and like I'm that I had to walk away because I'm Herbie: I forget, but like that- I packed a lunch and everything. Shamus: I was like, I'm gonna see this goddamn thing. And like, I didn't pack it, like I would walk by and stop for like five minutes and after a while I would just... Herbie: Yeah, couldn't. ⁓ Shamus: I couldn't say it to this day. I still have never seen the goddamn dolphin, the schooner, whatever was in those pictures. I never saw it. Herbie: Whoever's listening stuff like that if you guys remember which ones they were but there was one that like that one big dolphin was like right in the middle that looks like it's kind of splashing out of the water that was like the easiest one but like I said everyone else was just like Shamus: and they tore down the Burlington Center, I never got to see it. Herbie: It's a shame, There's so much memories in that, you know, it's like, you know, of course, more childhood memories and reflecting and thinking about stuff. Shamus: Well, the thing that pisses me off is they rip these things down and then they put like an Amazon warehouse in it. Yeah. And then after six months, Amazon's like, yeah, that's too small. We're going to build and leave it empty. Like that thing's not even there anymore. Like it's you wouldn't even know there was a mall there. I don't know what the last time you've been by there. Yeah. But I thought they and some of these malls are getting repurposed. Yeah. Like more sound. They're actually attaching the condos to it. And like I think Virtua has like a it's a cherry hill or is it? ⁓ Herbie: Yeah. Shamus: Morristown. Yeah, they have they're putting like a medical center and all that stuff in half of it. Some of it's still being used for retail shops and all. ⁓ I think a gym, there's a gym where the old. Want to makers, I guess that's where that was like the one with the curse of writing up on the wall. I think they put a gym in there, ⁓ Herbie: Might be Morse Town. Yeah. That's actually not bad. I remember when they had like more stuff, like the, the skate park is like, basically like the, order of greatness for me was, you know, Burlington center. Cause I was more familiar, but like the best one was of course, cherry Hill mall and like Morristown, like if cherry Hill didn't have what you were looking for, then you resorted to Morristown. It was like not taking a dig on Morristown, but it was like Morristown was like the list of the power, the top three. know what mean? Shamus: It seemed like it was the smallest of the three. Because Burlington Center was small, but it had like two floors. More sound would just have like that one straight run. ⁓ But Cherry Hill was always like the mecca. Herbie: That's it. Yeah. That's when I started working there was great. You know, working in merry-go-round. was just, loved that. I loved that. That was like my favorite job. I remember I got, the first I started as the stock guy and I wasn't really good at sales, but I just, knew I was just wanting to be around hot chicks all the time. And you know, that's basically why I wanted to be out on the floor instead of in the back room. You know? So, ⁓ when I finally got like this, the, be able to do like a sales cause it's all like commission and stuff like that. A lot of times I'd work the weekends So there was a bench outside the merry-go-round ⁓ store and the merry-go-round store where it was was like right across from like where the French Connection store used to be. ⁓ And it would used to be great because like you would hear like whenever someone had like, ⁓ like the little sensors on the clothes or anything like that, if they missed it, the French connection one would be like, just to like this French, you know, like recording of like, you know, you're missing the buckle and stuff like that. So you'd hear that all the time. But, they have like one of these secret shoppers. So they're like, ⁓ they go up to my manager and they're like, ⁓ all right, well, everything looks great. And you guys are, you know, servicing the customers and stuff like that, there's this one dude. There's always like that story like there's just one dude and it's always like me. They're like, we don't know who his name was. I mean, he seems really nice. He was up. He was out front. He was doing nothing but folding shirts on the guy's side. But every time there was a girl with big boobs, he would go over there and help them. He would let other dudes walk by him in the guy's section. He would even like engage them and just like just go after like, you know, all the pretty all the talk to all the pretty chicks. And my boss, it was like one of my best friends at the time. And he's like, yeah, I think I know who you're talking about. Shamus: You Herbie: This was always like, know, we have like that type of clothes. was, ⁓ you know, we had like Skechers, we had IOU, we had Jaco, we had boss, we had all these clothes, but the, the girl's side also had like bikinis, you know, club outfits and all that stuff. And this was like perfect too, because like the hours I used to work was like, Two in the afternoon until I close and stuff. You know what mean? So, and this is like when top dog and everything was like jumping like crazy and stuff at all the clubs. So like you get to sit there and meet all these girls there and then meet them all at the club. Yeah, man. And then like a lot of times what we used to do is like me and my boss, Tony would actually go to a guanis and we'd set up a table and we'd actually for our job applications. Shamus: at the Herbie: And we just, just like nothing, but hot chicks, man. There's like, that's pretty much what was the draw. Like a lot of dudes, like when they walk in the mall, anyway, they want to go to a store where like, you know, all the hot chicks are, and they're like the girls made out too, because if, if they were on commission, if they sold stuff, they'd make money. But then of course you would just have dudes trying to hang out there, trying to Mack these girls. And after a they're like, look, dude, you know, just want to make the money, but it was just great to be able to set up a table. And a lot of times we'd actually have like the, ⁓ the bar tub girls. like at Iguana Beach Club that actually worked for us too. We did like fashion shows and all that stuff there. It was great. It was just a great job because you just met a lot of girls, man. It was great. Loved it. ⁓ yeah. Shamus: See I there was there was some parts where Like I would go to the mall Yeah and I would when I was a little bit older like get my license and stuff like that and if I didn't have anywhere to be and they're like I would just kind of sit on the bench across from Victoria secrets I just watched them walk in and out because there's not too many big busted bitches walking in there You know what I mean? So yeah, there's a certain type that going in there. Yeah Herbie: ⁓ my god. Well, actually, it was funny you said that because when I was at merry-go-round, I stayed there till the very last day it closed. So they were, was looking for like another job to go to another, another store. And, it was actually Victoria secrets was like a couple of doors down. So I put it in an application for that just to be the stock guy. But you know, even the girls were like, no, dude, you're like, was like, I had stock experience, but I just, just didn't really want to leave them all. And I knew they're working there. It would be like a bunch of hot chicks there too. Shamus: that stock experience. Herbie: So there was like, they were like, no, it's okay. was like, well, I fill out an application. now they're like, so the next best thing was, ⁓ working at nine West. And I was like, well, all right. And I know the girls go to fricking nine West. You know what mean? But granted I was getting mixed with like the old ladies with the corns on their feet and all that crap. But I wound up getting fired from that job because I just, I was just horrible at it. I was just like, just trying to, I knew nothing of girls clothes or girls shoes ⁓ And like, ⁓ was cool. Cause like, you know, dating girls I would get free shoes. So that was like a nice little bonus and I mean, I mean like, ⁓ yeah, dude, I just constantly meet all these new pretty girls and stuff all the time. was great. And then just go to the club again still, cause you'd be dressed up anyway. And you go meet him at the clubs ⁓ And got fired because I never coordinated like the shoes and the handbags and all that stuff. was like, I have no clue. They're like, Herbie, we love you. You do a great job. You don't call out on us or nothing like that, but like ⁓ we kind of let you go. ⁓ Shamus: you Herbie: I was like the first job ever got fired at I wasn't mad or nothing like that I was like yeah you're right I don't really know what I'm I was just like wanted to hang out with a bunch of hot chicks to cherry hold them all man Shamus: Yeah, yeah, it's like I said, man, I missed them all. It's it was just a vibe back then. And even if you weren't in the mall, like you would just meet up with friends in the parking lot and stuff like that or hang out. A lot of people from either Riverside, Delran always rolled up to the Taco Bell on Route 130 in Delran and hung out in that parking lot. Or they were at 7-Eleven in Delanco. But like when we got bored, we were just like, let's go see what's going on at the mall. you know, over the years, you kind of meet Back then we didn't have cell phones or you know, internet and anything like that. So it was very rare if you knew somebody from another school. Yeah. But you know, through like football, sports, stuff like that, or guys who moved to another school. Yeah. Like we're like, yeah, me and my friends are hanging out. Why don't you roll through? So we would, you know, go and hang out, you know, just up in the Worcestown Mall parking lot over where the Goodyear, like right across from the Buffalo Wild Waves is now And then like you said, if we got bored, we just walked through the mall or if the cops are like, hey, you guys got to move it, we just. Walk into the mall and hang out. So I and I do miss. Because along with the balls, like a lot of the, you know, what the hell is the name of it? Not FYI, but. Tower records. Yeah. ⁓ yeah. We like going to be hours, dude, just. Herbie: I mean half the time but none of us really had money would just be like Yeah, like you had enough money for like food and stuff like that maybe a couple of arcade games and just hang out and like just like Pull through like, know, just titles of music and stuff and then that's when they had the headphones You can actually listen to music in there and jam out for a little while. Yeah, it was just It must have sucked for like the people that work there because you just see like these groups of people like out These guys are not gonna buy nothing. They're gonna be in the way Shamus: I always hit the clearance rack. No, because a lot of those kids were just a little bit older than me and they were doing exactly what you were doing. Yeah. They're like, no ugly dude, big head. Yep. And his friend's ugly, too. There's no chicks with these dudes. Fuck them. Next. Yeah. Herbie: Yeah. Like they'll be in the Iron Maiden section. Shamus: Like I was like the bone from a fan. like, look at this. You always want to look like you're, you know, this is the place to be. Look at this. Isn't this great? Herbie: What was I like in as food wise in the food court? ⁓ Starting with the Burlington Center, which was your favorite spot to eat at? Shamus: I got to say, was sparrows. That's what it was. Yeah. I was always a sparrows guy. I always just grab a quick slice. I never really did any of the Chinese food and stuff like that. Oh, I did. Because you have to sit down with the fork and usually I just grab something I could just pick up and eat if I have to move. Oh, really? You know, like if a chick walked by, I'm oh, I'm just. Herbie: A lot of times you'd be sitting there like that's why we always used to sit down man because like that's when you can have people watching and stuff too. Yes. And then you know like if there are people at other tables and you can well the Shamus: Five seconds. The burn consenter was perfect because where I always sat where sparrows was at the end I always sat right where the escalator dumped off right there. So any chip coming up the steps I was just kind of like like me Mike that couple of my other buddies would just like you me I got this one and or if there was a group of them I'm like let's go boys. Yeah. But most of time it was just something like quick and easy like pizza or Or like a deli sandwich. Yeah. Like I forget the name of the deli place in Cherry Hill. They have one that makes I think I hope it's still there. They make an awesome corned beef special man. Yeah. Yeah. But yeah, most of time it was just pizza. When I was a kid, it was just something fast, easy, something you're not going to spill over yourself or make a mess and and and something that doesn't stick in your teeth and make your breath smell. Every image was everything to me, man. It was just kind of just eating out of necessity. Herbie: I remember when I worked in the cherry home malls, like actually that's the first time I actually had sushi. Cause they had a place called Yanagi too, or toe in the food court. they did like, of course the Japanese style was like, they had the wax replicas of their dishes and stuff. And it always looked interesting. And I always wanted to try it. And I mean, of course, you know, growing up on rice and beans and stuff like that, and avocado was like, you know, the California, you know what I mean? So was like everything I liked to eat and I liked the Japanese culture. So I was like, all right, cool, man. Maybe one day I'll try it. And when I. worked at, um, merry-go-round. was a coworker, buddy of mine named Jose that used to get, and he was into martial arts and all that stuff. Like, you know, I was always into it too, but he actually studied. So he was like, yeah, I mean, you gotta, you know, try this. I was like, yeah, I always keep on looking at it. I want to try. So I tried the California roll for the first time. was like, yeah, this is good. Yeah. Well, yeah, definitely. But, Shamus: That's not sushi. Round eye. Herbie: You have been trained by the Kwai Lo. You will not teach the Kwai Lo. He's like, will train who I want. Shamus: Because that's exactly how they look at you when you order a crowbar like these motherfucking Americans that have no idea what sushi is. Herbie: Same with the cool thing is though, the, like, as opposed to a lot of the sushi restaurants and stuff around, know, this was owned by a real Japanese guy, but it was the guys that make the rolls were Spanish and stuff like that. So was still cool. So like I used to get like, ⁓ this is actually when Woolworth was still in the cherry hole mall. Shamus: There was one in Wellenboro, but it wasn't it was like a strip mall kind of it wasn't an indoor mall Yeah, I haven't heard that Herbie: Yeah, dude, I know, because it was like right next to like where is like that Cherry Hill like the that restaurants us like kind of like in the middle of the whole Shamus: Well, it's changed so much. They have like a whole row of restaurants out there now. It's changed so much. Herbie: I change like where the food court is and stuff now on the other end and stuff. But like when I got the sushi, I got it like when I was on my lunch break and, I didn't really realize what wasabi was. And I'm thinking, you know, I'm seeing avocado and everything else. Cause I ordered like California roll, like a beef nega, Maki roll and all this other stuff. And they gave the wasabi on the side and I'm thinking it's guacamole. You know, so I'm sitting in the line at Woolworth's because they have like this, uh, they like the, like the Slurpee machines and stuff like that. So I'm, I'm eating my lunch while I'm waiting in line to grab this, uh, the Slurpee thing. And I just like house the whole goddamn Wasabi. And I was like, Oh my God, what the fuck is this? Dude, I just house the whole thing, man. And I was just like, what the F and then they finally got my thing and was able to cool down and shit. And then I got more familiar. went, went to Jose. was like, and he was Puerto Rican too. I was like, you know, Shamus: Good job, buddy. Herbie: This is not a wakate. And he was like, I knew he's like, bro, no, this is wasabi. This is this is like horse riders. I was like, yeah, no shit. You should have told me that before I get in there. So he made a big laugh about that. But, you know, I've worked at Cherry Hill Mall for like a solid like four or five years. Wow. Yeah. But I was like right outside of high school. You know what mean? I was still like, you know, and still I was that's when I was going to the clubs and stuff all the time, too. So, you know, Cherry Hill Mall was like, you know, my home. But, you know, when I had. Shamus: Absolutely. Herbie: worked at Nine West. was maybe at Nine West for like maybe like a year and a half or so. But I don't know. That was it of my professional... professional... Shamus: Retail. Herbie: ⁓ yeah. Cause like, know, we used to work like Christmas and all that stuff. So I know exactly what you're talking about, about like, you know, the Christmas rush and closing times and all that stuff. it was just, it sucked, but you know, there was, I worked with a lot of pretty girls and I dated a couple of girls in there and it it was very nice. Very, very nice. Shamus: That and you could always every once in a while you would roll up like April, May, where nothing's going on like holiday wise or anything. And they're just like, hey, it's the 13th annual Morse Town Mall or Bonnet Center card show. Yeah. And like they'd have all these vendors like there was always something else going on and they'd have like a couple of, you know, Philadelphia Eagles or Flyers and Sixers there and it's signed in autographs and stuff. Or like the next week it was like, hey, the car shows here and they have all the cars out. Like there was always something going on at the mall. that that always not just interest you. But when you walked in, you're like, what is like in the ball? Radzi's like, what is going on here? When they're building a stage? Yeah. You're just like, what is this? Psycho is the card show today. You know, Randall Cunningham and Fred Barnett are coming in and sign autographs you're just kind of like, wow, man, the fucking malls got it all. Look at this. Herbie: They, they even like, ⁓ I used to work like the night shift thing, course, but there was every once in a while I used to open with, with the boss and stuff too. And I didn't realize that a lot of like seniors would actually go to the mall to like, just walk around before like the stores were even open. Shamus: They still do. Yeah. Herbie: I'm like, shit. like, I'm just watching all these like old people walking around out front. like, I'm like, do they know we're closed? Right? Cause you know, it'd be like the big rolling gate and everything. I was like, what the hell are these old people doing here, You know, I'll have like McDonald's coffee mugs and stuff and just walking around them. Shamus: Some of them actually let you ⁓ is it cherry hill or is it Morristown? They actually let you bring your pets in too. Really? You walk your dog in there. Really? Yeah Herbie: I guess they're, yeah, there's, know, cause like, you know, the mall's kind of like slipped off, especially with like, know, online purchases and stuff like that. Cause I, me, I haven't been to a store in a while now. I just buy everything on Amazon. I used to check out like, you know, like Walmart or, you know, Target, the mall every once in a while. Cause I used to like on my days off, I would actually go up there for sushi. I used to love their sushi. It was great. You know, and uh, Shamus: still go every once in a while. Herbie: the guy, the Japanese guy, he closed it for like a little while and then I saw him. And that's when I, after a while, like it was like a couple of years later, I started like learning more about the Japanese culture, learn how to speak it a little bit. So I was actually able to talk to him about some stuff and he actually has a, a yakitori restaurant in Philadelphia, but this is, might be closed, but it's, he told me this a couple of years ago and stuff. But I used to go there all the time for the sushi. Nice. ⁓ yeah. would tear it up, dude. Tear it up. And, yeah, like I said, like when you were kids, you just go there to watch, you know, watch movies there, arcade, you know, Biden and just swords. Shamus: patches for your jean jacket. yeah, man. That and every once in a while, like I'd have to get a suit because I was either, you know, getting fatter or, you know, so they had like the store like two suits for ninety nine dollars. Or, you know, and my mom would always be like, it's almost Easter time, boys. It's time for a new suit. I'm like, yeah. Herbie: Yes, it was on the ground floor. Remember that place? was like brigade. Was it called brigade or something? I think it was called like the Burlington center. I remember that man. Yeah. I remember that. I actually have like a red blazer from there, man. It was like a, I have like the black dress pants, black dress shirt and red blazer. Cause like my date, she was wearing a red dress for like her family reunion and I'm in Shannon. I miss you, Shannon. Shamus: forget what it was. Yep, I forget what it was. There was always like when you walked in the store, like some of the displays because it was Burlington. Yeah. And I'm not trying to be racist or anything, but they had like the ethnic suits and all. And I'm like, yes. Yeah. My mom like, are you out of your goddamn with the pinstripe? Oh, And I'm like. Herbie: Yeah. Yeah, it was like the MC Hammer outfits in your in your Sunday best at the Baptist Church, man. Shamus: I was not having that. was like, I would look so pimp in that. You know how much ass I'll pull on that suit? She was like, no. Herbie: It's like the bright pink. It was a pimp of the year awards in that place. That was great. Shamus: Like we were talking about the one pod like the Gary Oldman suit from Dracula where he was wearing that purple round glasses. was like, dude, mom, she'd be like, no. I'm like, come on. Herbie: With the top hat there. ⁓ bro. That thing is obvious. You made. ⁓ my God. Yeah. You listeners. There's probably like if there's like a story you guys remember, like chime in and don't forget to like, you know, about this podcast, you know, so we can rate it and all that. Shamus: ⁓ yeah. Yeah. We have to get done. Listen, make sure you give us a like and give us a rating. Even if you think it sucks, let us know. Yeah. But ⁓ yeah, man, like this. I mean, there was the eyeglass place like two pair of glasses for 50 bucks. I mean, my brother used to go through glasses. So my mom would always take us up there. Yeah. Yeah. We do. We're always in the sports. We're always wrestling with each other and shit. Just boys being boys. And we would just like having my teenage life. I was just blind because my mom's like, no, I'm not doing it again. You're being Herbie: Remember like that engraving place? would like every once in go there for like maybe like a Mother's Day gift. So you get like a like a plaque and you can actually engrave like, you know, your mother's name. ⁓ Shamus: Yeah, yeah, well, I mean that was the homework store was Herbie: There was a Hallmark store that had like, you know, the get the cards and they had like the little like ⁓ model stuff, like almost like a knickknacks or whatever type of thing for like, you know, the Curialls and all that type of stuff. like there was an engraving store. So it's pretty much like if you were doing like weddings or anniversaries, you can get like that one. It was like there was like barely no one in that damn store. You know what mean? Shamus: Exactly what you're talking about It was just some dude behind like behind the counter behind them. was like two or three machines. Nobody was on it. Herbie: just by himself. I mean, and then of course, there was like piercing pagoda. So, you know, when you like when you get like your first ear pier. Yeah, man, piercing pagoda, baby. Shamus: ⁓ yeah, that's when my sister got her. Yeah. everybody was like, ⁓ my God, my three year old's got earrings. Look at how cute I'm looking myself, man, at three years old. Yeah. Wow, it's crazy. Herbie: That's when you back in David like you get like the one earring and you're like, you know, you're cool, you know Shamus: I got to find it. I know it's upstairs because I just recently seen it. Like you were talking about, like all them little umbrella things in the middle of them all. Yeah. Like you always had the massage people. Yes. With the massage chair. Yeah. You always had the, ⁓ like the personalized, not the engraving stuff, but you had like the license plates or, know, that kind of stuff. And then, ⁓ they always had like the shitty jewelry guy. Yes. In the middle. And I bought, it was sterling silver. It was like the not a rope. It was kind of like a rope chain thing, but it had like the big Superman. It wasn't like all christened out like they are now. But it was like the Superman emblem. Really? And yeah, I bought it because, I was big in the comic books. Not like I was like, and I was like, dude, that is and I think Herman Moore, if any anybody listen is likes NFL the way I do. I'm a huge sports nut. Herman Moore was a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and in one of his Nike commercials, he had Herbie: of lines. Shamus: like almost something I was just like, yep. How much? And the guy was like five bucks. I was he like, but this is real silver. And I'm like, my ass it is. But I'll take it for five. No, no, no, no. So I still have it. It's somewhere upstairs. Really? Every once in while, I'll break it out when I get after I get out of the gym and stuff and I feel like I'm not as fat as you know, out of shape as I am. Yeah. Herbie: Did your neck go green? Do you know what was the other one like the almost like the glamour shots by Deb thing from the point? I might where was like that? Yeah, like yeah photo like ⁓ I dated a girl that had that dude. I was like, ⁓ my god I think like at least a couple of chicks had that no glamour shot type deal Shamus: one of those in the mail when I was in the military thinking of you and I was just like, Herbie: I always thought that was like it was like one of those things that was like kind of awkward. was kind of like you like when you go on a date with a girl and they start singing songs and you're just like you feel awkward because she's Shamus: whip out a recorder in your apartment and start telling you you're doing a wrong note as she's playing a recorder. Herbie: Actually, I yeah, man, I bring my melodica out man like that little dead Shamus: Shout out to Steve. Yeah, I saw the video. The gorillas ⁓ Herbie: Yeah, I remember like that. I just never get understood that I had a went on a couple of dates and the girls were fine, too but like some of them would could sing well and then there were some that just It just like come start singing out of nowhere. There wasn't like a topic or anything like that You know you sitting here in the car just like bullshit and stuff and it's almost like they're putting you through a test Like if you like their music or I don't know dude. It was just like that weird awkward Silence from me because I'm like, where's this coming from? And because, sometimes like the dates like would would wind up being at the mall. You know, you go to the movie theaters and stuff like that and you hang out in the parking lot, you know, you're hanging out in the car and you're making out and all that stuff. But I was just like, why is why are you singing? Shamus: What the? Herbie: I just never got that. Shamus: The one of the music store right near the food court in Brompton Center. Farrington's music. They used to give lessons in there. Really? Yeah. Herbie: ⁓ yeah, the real music store that instruments and all that. ⁓ Shamus: Yeah, not like Tower Records. It was like an instrument store. Yeah. And when I walked in there to one day, I was just like, how much are like? And they were I mean, back then, like it was like twenty dollars for a half hour. My mom was like, are you crazy? That's expensive. Yeah. But I do remember she was like, and she was like, not only that, but I'm not driving you twenty five minutes every Tuesday. Come up here. She's like, because you're just going to hang out in the mall and chase chicks anyway. I said, but if they see me playing drums in the music store, it might be easier. Herbie: Yeah, I mean, that was that was You don't have to worry about staking them out, like getting off the escalator and stuff like that. That's when you had to be on your game and stuff too, man. Because a complete stranger girl from another school and you got to try to mack it to them as soon as they get off the escalator with their two girlfriends. And was always that one that wasn't very appealing. So she was always very angry and did not want you talking to her pretty friend. Shamus: ⁓ yeah, you always got the bodyguard, I used to call him. Herbie: That's why sometimes you had to go with the squad, man. Sometimes you couldn't go solo-dolo, man. Shamus: We used to shoot rock paper scissors. like, who's getting the ugly, know, who's getting the bodyguard? Herbie: God damn it, yeah. That's a rite of passage, everybody. An honorable and good wingman. Shamus: Well, most of the times those are the ones that were attracted to me so like they're like you can talk to my friend if the big head kid comes over here and talks to me All right Herbie: I used to look out to me because I'm like, you know, I'm like the same size as a hobbit and they always be like that really tall chick for some reason, man. I mean, don't get me wrong. Cause there's like a lot of girls, of course, like they like taller guys and stuff. Understandable. know, that's what they prefer. You know what mean? But you know, there'll be some tall chicks, man, that just love short dudes and man, they like you. ⁓ yeah. It's almost like Star Trek with the board, like resistance is futile. Like, Jesus Christ. You just go along for the ride. Like, all right, cool, man. Shamus: You're sitting in a food court. Yeah, your buddies are eating what they're like, we're all sitting the same table and she looks over at you. She's like, you won't finish that. Herbie: ⁓ Well, I looked out, though, like the. The told ones were cute. They were just like really tall and like, you know, like, like thin, you know what mean? So but that was I was just like, how is this going to work, man? Then I got into like the tall chick face for a while. It was cool. ⁓ really? I do like some. I like a girl on the bones, too, though, ⁓ Shamus: I always got the thick ones. Back then, listen, I'm not trying to degrade anybody or any of that stuff like that, but when you're younger, you're always just like, man, I want like Chrissy Swanson or, you Marissa, like you want a supermodel and stuff. Herbie: I mean, have their preference and stuff too. Like, like I just said, you know, the girls don't like short. Shamus: Exactly. Nowadays, it's to me, it's I've met some of the most gorgeous women And when as soon as they open their mouth, I'm like, that is the ugliest bitch I've ever met before in my life because her personality sucks. She's just ignorant. Yeah. So but back then it was just all about looks for me. I didn't care how shitty of a person you were. Let me just look at you. ⁓ Herbie: that in high school was like if she was really hot and the dew was like either kind of do feel like not not doofy but ugly you're like then he's got really good weed. Got a nice car. You know, ⁓ in no way does this guy have any type of personality. Just got really good weed can get alcohol. He's got a car. Yeah, I mean. Yeah, we all. Shamus: Either that or he's got, he's got good genetics. Herbie: Yeah, I was like, Jesus Christ, I think a lot of times like one of my friends, says, you know, a lot of tall, skinny guys are, you know, for that purpose. You know what mean? Shamus: I heard people with big feet have that too. Herbie: Sometimes I don't know man. I I was in Amsterdam and like my one buddy you kind of look like um What the hell is that that Cosby show? Dwayne Wayne remember like a different world I because you know we had the flip-up glasses and stuff and he we went to Amsterdam and It was a we just wanted it was it was a great I don't know if we'll maybe get into that some other time because that's another long story about Shamus: Yes. Herbie: Stuff in Amsterdam, but you know, some of the facts or stuff is not really completely true. You know what mean? ⁓ listen, you know, you could be like. Shamus: I know there's one I know there's one myth that is absolutely true and it's the Irish. Yeah, you know And I'm telling you right now. I I used to tell girls they're like, oh you're Irish. Listen here I might not be able to hit the bottom of a tuna fish can but I'll fill that song bitch up Herbie: Well, then. Shamus: ⁓ That's what they would look at you like now they're intrigued but now they're kind of creeped out. Did you just compare me to a tuna fish? Herbie: As long as you got a good line or something, dude, there's many times I said some really funny, you know, retarded shit. then next, you know, the girl's like, all right, give you a chance. Shamus: That's another thing I learned. Like you don't have to walk up and be, hey, baby, what's up? If you can make a girl laugh. Yeah, that's it. Yeah. And I was always that guy, too. Like I could always just, you know, and you know that and you've always been that guy, too. Yeah. Like you just walk up and just say something totally off the wall and they just like, ⁓ yeah. Herbie: I don't get me wrong. doesn't work all the time. Trust me, girls always say they want to find a funny guy, but that doesn't mean I'm going to bang them all the time. Shamus: Well, not only that, but usually when I say something that if you think it's funny or offensive or something like that, and I'm not that guy like, hey, what does the fag say? Like I'll say something and they just kind of like, I probably don't, we wouldn't vibe anyway. You know what I mean? Like so. Herbie: Like with anything, you like have a mutual sense of humor and stuff like that, because sometimes you can say something crazy and then like the girl like fires back like what's your face and what a super bad, you know, she's just like I had brothers, you know, older brother. So like they would say the most disgusting things. I thought it was hilarious. Yeah. Shamus: Like a lot of times at the mall I would purposely Like I would trip myself like if I saw if I was coming out of a store and saw like two or three cute girls like walking like What do they call that like the the balcony like we're on the second floor And like I would see them walking. would like, would purposely like come out and just throw myself on the floor like poof in front of them. they were like, oh my God, are you okay? And like I'd say something funny, they'd start laughing. like, yeah, how you doing? Oh yeah, like I would just do something embarrassing. And they were just like, yeah. But if you played it in a way like, like you weren't shy, like, I was just like, man, did see that shit? They were just like, yeah, we saw you, dumbass. And I'm like, hey, what's going on? You know, that kind of thing. Herbie: Yeah, that's not a bad approach, That's not a bad, I remember like sometimes I used to go to the mall. When I, when I moved to South Hampton and then I was, you know, met all my friends here, we took a trip back down to Quaker Bridge. So it was like out of, you know, my old stomping grounds. So I went there a couple of times and it was like maybe like four of us all together. So as a joke, I used to act like this guy that I couldn't speak English. And I was just going to like the store, like McDonald's and stuff like that. Try to order. was like, character was named Hervey and Rico. was a, a llama herder from a Paraguay. I just couldn't speak any like English. I would just have like just broken words and stuff. So I used to go in like in the McDonald's and it would be like, you know, nighttime and stuff like that. And now we just have like this really stupid smile, like not knowing what I'm saying. And they're like, yeah, I can help you. like, hello, egg McMuffin. And like, no, I'm sorry. We don't have egg. I'm like, yes, egg McMuffin. It's just like, you know, kind of like goof around like that, like harmless goofing and stuff like that. And just like, my other buddy that was supposed to be the translator, we would like meet up. I would just go up to girls, like group of girls. I'm like, hello, my name is Edvey. And they're like, look, like he's harmless. He's from Paraguay. You know, he's a llama herder. And like I would be like, I would make up, would do like a mix of like Spanglish and stuff like that and some other like weird words like Klingon or whatever. Shamus: Thank you. Herbie: And the girls were like, ⁓ my God, what do you, what do you say? And, ⁓ like my, my, my buddy would like, ⁓ translate for me. He'd be like, the girls are like falling for it. Like he's my translator and we're, having a conversation. I'm trying to like, we're kicking it to these girls and stuff. And it was great. Cause like, you know, we just walked around all these groups of girls all the time and just go and just act like you don't speak English. Fantastic. Shamus: Yeah, never tried that approach. Herbie: I was great man and then of course like you know when it started getting to the thing like it was always like you dated them that night you know because you wouldn't really see him afterwards and not like that so like if you hooked up you know like made out or whatever it's like no big deal but yeah that was air vienrico the llama herder that's great and of course it was like in another mall so like nobody knew who we were it was a completely different area Shamus: Well, see, that's another thing I used to crack me up like no matter because those are the three main malls, Morristown, Cherry Hill. Like you never saw the same people in there ever. Yeah. Well, you never ran into like the same girl you met at Burlington Center. Like it's true. I mean, maybe I was lucky in that regard. Well, you work there. So you spent way more time. Herbie: We did get lucky on that because sometimes like. Yeah. But also even before that too, because sometimes you'd be like, ⁓ you know, you would hear people like, you know, everyone did the same thing. Like if, a girl was dating somebody from your school and she'd go there and she'd be walking around with some other kid from another school and stuff, you know, I'm like, ⁓ my God, Jessica's messing around with some dude from RV. You know I mean? I so it was just like, everyone did stuff like that. It was just like, you know, that was like the, almost like the, ⁓ speed dating for everybody back in the day. Cause like you really couldn't network or meet other people. Like either you met people. Oh, yeah, but I never did that either. I was like, yeah, you can do it. But, um, yeah, you couldn't really meet other people or stuff like that anywhere else. You know what mean? Now you can just like swipe left or swipe right and just, you know, get all the other stuff done. If you know what I mean? I mean, so it's just like Jesus, but you know, you really would have to be like, oh, the pretty girls in your school. And, you know, I was always like that dude, cause like, uh, the town that I live in is like, there wasn't that many girls there. But if there was a girl visiting her grandmom or something like that walking around town, you know? Hell yeah, scoop ⁓ up man! It was fun, it cool. Shamus: ⁓ yeah. Yeah. Yeah, like I said, I missed the moment was your Rob. All right. Let's break it down real quick favorite place to eat them all You pick any mall it doesn't matter Herbie: ⁓ for me and then definitely still, ⁓ I don't know if it's open anymore, but Yanagi too, and not Sherry Hill, all the sushi place. Shamus: Okay, I'm gonna go with Sparrows in Browlinson Center. ⁓ What was your favorite? Do you have a favorite mall memory of all time? Herbie: I don't know. There's, know, it like, there was so much a unique thing. Cause it was always like an amalgamation of either you hanging out with your friends playing video games, you meet a girl there, you know, you get to kiss him and make out or whatever. And so it was just always like, and there was, I was thankful. Like I never got. Shamus: Just in general, not like one thing, but like if there was one thing you absolutely not the work part of it, but just like hanging out at the mall. Yeah. Is there ⁓ just like like to me, it would be going there because, you know, my mom passed away. And of course, the malls are pretty much obsolete anyway. But I used to love going to the mall. My mom. That's like it was cool going with my friends and all when I got older. But like going with my mom at Christmas time because she loved Christmas and all that stuff. And that to me was. That's nice. Yeah. Herbie: I think, yeah, for me, like Christmas time at the mall, but with my friends, cause like, you know, I would go with my parents, like with them and at the Quaker bridge mall. That's when I was younger. So of course he would go to like, ⁓ let's go see Santa. You know, that, that would probably be like a nice memory for me and my parents and stuff like that. And thank God they're still around. But, ⁓ Just hanging out with my friends and Christmas time, of course, was fun because it was like, was, it was, it was like more energy. got all hyped up for it and stuff. And then, you know, when you got older, you know, shopping, Christmas shopping, there was just like a fricking bummer because the one, the one bad memory was I remember I got kicked out of hula hands and cherry hill mall with my friends. Shamus: Over 21 or under? Herbie: over 21. Yeah, I was like after work and I was like, we're meeting up my friends and stuff. And it's just like another one to like other friends of mine were completely hammered. And they were coming by the cherry home wall to go to Hoolahands and they stopped by the store to come see me and they were just like hammered. And my boss was like, just get him the hell out of this frickin store. I was like, all right, man, I'll meet you guys later. get out this. Yeah, dude, but I like the Hoolahands moment got almost like a little little Shamus: Muchacho Herbie: little spat with like another table and stuff man and then we had to we got kicked out. That was like drinking like that was a whole lands was a cool spot too though man because they used to get like a Chame beer and so they had like a nice like a beer list. I don't think so dude. Shamus: They're not there anymore, I like, is it Morse Down? I think it's the Yard House. Great food, great vibe, great music in that place, ⁓ I definitely need to... Last time I was there. Herbie: ⁓ yeah, Yard House is nice. like the Hooligan setup because was like that hard... Yeah, for me it was a couple years ago for the art house, but the art house is nice, but Hooligan had a nice little memory for me too. It was kind of like darker and I had the wood type of furniture and stuff, almost antique-ish type deal and it was cool. like I said, had a more high level like... ⁓ quality of like beers and stuff like that. So it was fun. But, know, of course now Yard House has all these types of beers and like good food and all that. But that was just like a good memory for me because we were like, you know, pregame at Hoolahands and then go to the clubs afterwards, you know, after work and stuff. So it was just always fun. Shamus: one bad moment and it wasn't my fault, I think it was like 17. was I knew I was a senior in high school. Me and my mom were walking out in this fucking douchebag, I guess he was trying to get by us to get out of the store. And he shouldered my mom. Really? And yeah. And I was just like, what the fuck? And like the dude turned around ⁓ and he had by about 35 pounds. But like we were the same height And like we started going, John. Yeah. And he was like, ⁓ don't let me catch you in the parking lot. was like, well, don't walk too fast, brother, because I'm coming out with you. Like we were. And as we're walking through Sears. Yeah. It's getting louder. And now my mom's starting to get embarrassed. And she was like, no, it's no big deal. Let it go. And I was just like, no, no. He wants to talk. Let's go. Yeah, that's yeah. So when he walked out, he was going to push the door open. Herbie: you shove your mom determine. Shamus: I was like, I'm not even going to give this guy a fucking chance to turn around. I'm just going to blast him. Yeah. So when he turned around, I hit him. Bang. And he went stumbling backwards. And when I want to get up on him, like I had him and I want to get up on him, I want to pull back. And my mom grabbed my arm and she was like, no, no, no. And then that dude reached up and punched me in my face. Oh, and I kind of fell off him as my mom was pulling. And he got up and I got up real quick and he was. Fuck you. And he started walking away. And when I looked over my mom, she was just like, so like not ⁓ weirded out and stuff like that, because I mean, she like my dad owned a bar in North Philly, one of the toughest neighborhoods. So he was always scrapping when they were younger and stuff like that. But like the look of not disgust, but just kind of disappointment in her it wasn't that big of a deal. And I was just like, to me, it was. yeah. ⁓ And we talked about on the way home as I, know, ⁓ We stopped somewhere and I got like a bag of peas and put it on my eye. That was gigantic. You know, but yeah, that was like the one bad memory I had. And like we talked about it later on in life. And I was just kind of like, hey, man, nobody fucks with you. Yeah, that's just the way it is. And she was like, I get it. But sometimes you know, I learned how to walk away. I wasn't hurt. I'm like, listen, nobody touches the act because her name was in. Yeah, I used to say the egg. Nobody touches the big egg. That's just. Herbie: That's just, yeah, grounds. Right man, I mean like come on then what happens if you don't say nothing then the dude's gonna talk it talk shit while he's walking out in the parking lot You know totally disrespected your mom Shamus: But what her thing was, I was already signed to go into the military as a military police officer. Like if I had got locked up or like one of them mall security guys wanted to make an issue or saw it. Yeah, they could press charges and then I would lose all that. So and she was like over that douche bag. And I was like, yeah, but. And that's why I said you have a great argument, but nobody fucks with the. Herbie: She makes sense for that. Yeah, cause you just went on instinct, bro. I don't blame you, Shamus: So I mean that's the only bad thing, but most of the other, like every other time at the mall with her was amazing. Especially Christmas time, that was always my favorite stuff. ⁓ Favorite store that you would shop at, not work at, shop at. Herbie: Allied hobbies. Cause that's where like all the miniatures were and stuff like that. Well, yeah. East was dope. It was just like for me, allied hobbies actually had that big glass cabinet and it had like all the painted miniatures and dragons and all that. Oh yeah. That's what got us intrigued. And my buddy uses, and you know, he was like into like, you like art artistic type stuff too. And he was like, ah, we always used to walk by and walk in there. Cause they had the RC cars, they had everything in there. So Shamus: I gotta go, I gotta go with East. I know exactly what you're talking about. He's going there too. a ton like at least 10 to 12 miles, it's just a models. Yeah. I wonder if people still do that. They put models together. Herbie: of trains and all that shit. It's great, dude. I love that store. There's people that still do it. There's probably still like enthusiasts that play like that fly model airplanes like the big ones, man. Shamus: I'm just talking about the ones you build and then put on a shelf You know, like the model cars. Herbie: They have some, not as popular, but I do still see model magazines and stuff like that. People still do it, but it's just not as mainstream. It's fun, because I used to build models and stuff too. Like you said before, when they would have in the mall, they would have the vendors and stuff. There was a couple of miniatures and models I got that I still have to this day that I made, from getting them at the mall. Shamus: I might buy one and see what's up. because there are a couple hobby shops around here. still exist. Those still exist. Herbie: Even had a Cherry Hill Mall actually had a Warhammer store. then, know, we're Henry Cavill still lives like the Warhammer, like miniature models and stuff like that. It was a great store. Warhammer is like it's like another art. It's almost like D &D, really, but it's like Warhammer is the ⁓ it's almost like Space Marines and it's like a futuristic version of D &D. OK. Yeah, I mean, so they have like also the miniatures and it's a role playing game and all that stuff. It's it's called Warhammer. Shamus: What the hell are you talking about? No, but you said Henry. Herbie: ⁓ Henry Cavill, the guy that plays Superman and stuff like that. he's he's huge into it. ⁓ he's like a big fan of it and stuff like that. And he does. There's a lot of like people in like Hollywood that still do miniature painting and D &D. That's why when when when you and Bobby saw the 40 year old Virgin and like he's sitting there like painting the little miniature guys like, ⁓ now I'm Shamus: He run. OK. And if he's listening to this ⁓ a roommate I had when I was in the military my buddy Jack he had there was another I don't I can't remember There was a lot of alcohol involved back in these days. Yeah, I can't remember if I Had to hit him up this guy Collins lived down though in the barracks. He lived down the hallway from us and I can't I don't think he was an MP But anyway, he would come down and those guys would sit there in color like all these little warrior dudes. Yeah. Like what the big magnifying light. Oh, yeah. With the thing and they were painting and I was just like, what the hell are these guys doing? And I think they were Dungeons and Dragons. Yeah. Because I don't think Warhammer was around. Herbie: It's been around for a while, like Dungeons and Dragons of course was first and then other companies like Ralph Partha and stuff like that would have like the same thing like you know Knights orcs and all that stuff and of course they had ninjas and Samurai so that was that locked me in on it and then there was another one called ⁓ L5 I was like a legend of the five rings clan wars was another samurai miniature game so I bought all those miniatures and stuff so I used to go to Allied Hobbies all the time to get like every friggin ninja and samurai miniature. And my buddy Steve was like all into the elves and orcs and all that stuff. And we used to go to my basement like me, my buddy Steve and my other brother, TJ, would be in the basement painting like these things for like hours and spilled like armies and stuff. We never really knew the rules and not like that. And we always said we're going to have like a big war, but we never did it. We just like the terrains and stuff like that and painted all these like that's Shamus: I was gonna say because they painted thousand. Yes, they they were all over our barracks room. They're in Collins's barracks room and I had never seen Anything done with them like that I don't know if they like set them up and played like a board game kind of deal But I'd never seen them use it I was just kind of like what? Herbie: They pretty much call it like campaign, so you can actually like paint up an army and stuff like that. And you know, like you can almost like form like skirmish lines, like on a tabletop. And then, know, of course, it's like rolling. Shamus: I got you. It's basically, yeah, it's a military. It's the same kind of shit we used to do when we were doing op orders and stuff like that. Yeah, we'd have like, what the hell was it called? You know, a big tabletop of the train we were ready to go into. And they would have like all the little dudes and stuff like, all right, third infantry is going this way. Twenty fifth infantry is going this way. First cabs going. I got you. Herbie: Yeah. It was like the same thing, you know, and it just like me and my buddies were always into it. And it was a nice hobby. Matter of fact, when I went to Germany, he was my buddy, Steve left and he went to Germany and went to a place called Rotenberg. And, ⁓ I still see pictures of like the delineating house in Rotenberg, but there was a, there was a hobby shop right next to it. And I bought like some like miniatures from there and like a book on on samurai and in German and stuff like that. And they were like, when we got there, the store, was like a big glass front paint store. So they had like all that, like the 10 soldiers, because like the 10 soldiers kind like their flat. It's like the old thirties and forties type ones. They had those and they had like the samurai on a, on a, on a horse with a bow and everything. And it was like, ⁓ and they were getting ready to close. And I'm like at the window, I'm like, the one, I'm like, excuse me. The Samurai, I want to buy that. like, just before they got reclusive went in there and like, and yeah, it was, it used to do that stuff all the time. And my other buddy TJ, he was huge into like, you know, the world war II stuff. he was like, he'd do like the German tanks, the planes, like all that stuff. So it was just like, yeah, we all did like, you know, we have like a lot of hobbies and stuff too, Shamus: See you back here in. Yeah. And that's why I guess Ally's hobbies was so big. There was so much stuff going on back then. Herbie: I even built like a samurai castle out of a bamboo bird cage. Cause like around that time they didn't really have like a lot of terrain and all that stuff for like these things. So you actually had to really create and get creative on your stuff to make it. I, I built a Yamashiro castle out of a bamboo bird cage and they had like, you know, the little balsa wood and stuff like that. And I just put it all together and yeah, turn it into a castle. So we have like a, a thing to like, you know, play on itself. Shamus: Nice. I guess we better wrap this up. I think we said our piece about the malls. I'm thankful. ⁓ One of the things I did look at, we didn't mention too many stats today. ⁓ Doing research for this like right before we started, they did say that the malls are kind of making a comeback a little bit. They were saying that starting with Gen Z, like more people are heading that way to the malls. Herbie: Coming. Shamus: It's an uptick of like 57 percent every year. More and more people are going to malls and stuff. Now, I don't know if that's because, like I said, the Morse town mall, think, has like a plan of fitness in it now, or there's like a like a virtual mental clinic or something like that. ⁓ I don't know if that's the case and then why they're there. They're going shopping with the few stores that are left. But like, I don't think it will ever make a comeback like it was when we were kids, like in the 80s when it was like the Mecca of commerce and popularity and all that stuff. Herbie: The Cherry Hill Mall still holds. Yeah. I was always like kind of like way behind, you know, they were like, you know, like in the order of them losing, I was like, OK, Burlington Center is going to close first and it'll be Morristown kept on trying to find innovative ways to stay open. But they even forgot about Echelon Mall because that had like, you know, the game center place in there, too. And like, I think it was like, yeah, Echelon Mall was cool, too, man. I didn't get to go there a lot because it was a lot farther away. But yeah, it was another one that was awesome. Shamus: Yeah, yeah. Yeah, when we live in the filly, it was like the Granite Run Mall, Echelon, King of Prussia. And then when Franklin met, we got enough time to talk. I mean, that was gigantic. And now they're tearing that down. That's probably where the Eagles new stadium is going to be in the next 10 years. They're trying to do it at Dome, like you're trying to do an indoor. I mean, that's all rumors in here say now, but that's what they're thinking that they're going to knock that down and probably put the Eagles new stadium there. But which is heartbreaking because, man, I love them all. I miss them all. Herbie: Yeah, there's no way that's another one. Really? Actually, that kind of makes sense. I do too, Shamus: All right, everybody, thanks for listening. And as always, if you like what you're hearing, even if you don't like what you're hearing, give us one star. If you like what you're hearing, give us five and give us a like. actually you can leave, I didn't realize this, you can actually leave comments and stuff like that. Herbie: We are both smart asses, we can fire it back. Shamus: Let us know what you're thinking if you have any suggestions or a suggestion for a show Yeah, or just anything in general man. Just leave us a line leave us a rating and give us a like You can also reach us on Facebook if you have any ideas about um You know just a show idea or if you have any questions because we want to do maybe after the 25th episode we'll do like a Q &A where we answer questions from you know all the listeners and I would say viewers, but that's coming. We are gonna do the video thing eventually. Herbie: With these types of posts we hope that we brought up some good old memories for the listeners and stuff too. again, hopefully made you laugh a little bit and go down memory lane. Shamus: And feel free to leave it doesn't have to be a comment or anything like that on our Facebook page if you have them all memory or store that you remember that we all might remember something like that man just drop it yeah, and maybe we'll give you a shout out on the next pod cool All right her I'll catch you later brother. I believe take care everybody Herbie: See you everybody.