Podcast Summary
Capital One Venture X Card Benefits and CVS Easter Sale: The Capital One Venture X Card offers 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel benefits, while CVS is offering a 20% discount on pickup orders with the code 'spring20' for Easter essentials. Childhood memories of Pez candies were also shared, with discussions on preferences, placebos, and unique candy shapes.
The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, along with premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a $300 annual credit for bookings. Meanwhile, Easter is approaching, and CVS is offering a 20% discount on pickup orders using the promo code "spring20" for basket essentials. Elsewhere in the discussion, the hosts reminisced about their childhood experiences with Pez candies, discussing the taste, texture, and fun of pulling the head back to release the candy. While one host preferred the orange flavor, another shared a past experience of consuming a large quantity of baby aspirin for its taste, raising questions about the effectiveness of placebos on children. The conversation then shifted to the hosts' shared appreciation for candies with unique shapes, such as Lego bricks, which they categorized as compressed sugar treats.
Manufacturing PEZ: Sweet Process and Collectible Value: PEZ manufactures large quantities of its candy using significant pressure and raw materials, producing 12 million tablets daily and 3 billion bricks yearly. The unique collectible dispensers have reached high prices at auctions, inspiring the creation of eBay.
PEZ, a popular candy brand, manufactures large quantities of its product using significant amounts of pressure and raw materials. For instance, 50,000 pounds of sugar are used every four days to create PEZ candies. The manufacturing process compresses the ingredients under 3,000 pounds of pressure to form the iconic PEZ bricks. PEZ produces 12 million tablets daily at its Connecticut facility, with three billion bricks consumed annually in the US alone. PEZ dispensers are collectible items and have reached high prices at auctions, with the most expensive one selling for $32,000 in 2006. PEZ played a role in the creation of eBay, as its founder was inspired by his girlfriend's Pez collection. PEZ collecting gained popularity in the 1980s. The manufacturing process and unique collectibles make PEZ an intriguing topic for those interested in manufacturing and pop culture.
The Power of Nostalgia and Creativity: Nostalgia impacts our present experiences, and safe, creative spaces prioritize data safety and design for kids and adults alike.
Nostalgia plays a significant role in our lives, often bringing back memories and emotions that can impact our present experiences. This was evident in a Seinfeld episode from the late 80s, where a Tweety Bird Pez dispenser triggered nostalgia and led to a confession during an intervention. Nostalgia is a common thread that connects people of all ages, and it's a powerful tool that can evoke strong feelings. Additionally, the discussion touched upon the topic of social media safety for kids. Zigazoo, a social network for kids, was introduced as a safe space where children can post and share videos with no comments or messaging. The platform prioritizes data safety and has received Kids Safe COPPA Certification. Furthermore, the conversation highlighted the importance of creativity and design in website development. Squarespace's Fluid Engine was presented as a next-generation website design system that makes it easier for anyone to create unique websites with customizable templates and drag-and-drop technology. Overall, the discussion covered various topics, but the underlying theme was the power of nostalgia and the importance of creating safe and creative spaces.
Inventing Pez: A Candy for Quitting Smoking and Keeping Hands Clean: Edward Haas III created Pez candy to help people quit smoking and keep hands clean, inventing the Pez dispenser to individually dispense candies and avoid contamination.
Edward Haas III, the founder of Pez candy, was not only passionate about creating delicious candy, but also about helping people quit smoking. He invented a proto-Altoid called Pess mints, which could be used as a smoking cessation aid or to freshen breath. Haas was a germaphobe and wanted to avoid having people touch the same tin and potentially contaminate the candies. He then came up with the idea of a Pez dispenser, modeled after a cigarette lighter, to individually dispense the candies. This innovation made Pez a huge success, particularly in Europe, where they were marketed using pin-up girls. Later, Haas introduced Pez in the United States during the 1950s, where it became iconic due to its unique dispensing system and the appeal to children who enjoyed the popping action.
PEZ dispensers: A substitute for smoking-related oral fixations for kids during the smoking boom: Originally designed to resemble lighters and marketed as a solution for kids mimicking smoking, PEZ dispensers evolved into popular collectibles with character heads and various flavors.
The original PEZ dispensers were designed to resemble lighters and act as a substitute for smoking-related oral fixations for children during the smoking boom in the 1950s. PEZ dispensers were marketed as a solution for kids who wanted to mimic smoking without actually having cigarettes. They came before the addition of character heads and resembled slim lighters. Additionally, candy cigarettes and gum cigarettes were popular during that time, with the latter being preferred over the former due to their harmless nature. The marketing of these products to children is surprising, given the health concerns associated with tobacco use. The PEZ company also responded to the popularity of flavored candies and started producing fruit-flavored PEZ dispensers alongside the original mint flavor. The chlorophyll-flavored PEZ is believed to be a mint-flavored variant.
From Cigarette Lighter to Collectible Toy: Pez, starting as a cigarette lighter alternative, became a collectible toy with the introduction of cartoon characters and various flavors, leading to its continued success through generations.
Pez candy, which started as a cigarette lighter alternative in the 1950s, evolved into a collectible toy with the addition of beloved cartoon characters and various flavors. This innovation made Pez a hit among kids, who could buy the dispensers and build collections. The company's privately owned status allowed it to keep going, and the collecting trend in the late 1980s further boosted its success. The manufacturing of the dispensers later moved to countries like China, Hungary, Slovenia, and Asia, while the candies continued to be produced in the US. Despite some challenges, such as the dislike for certain flavors like peach, Pez's unique combination of candy and toy continued to captivate generations.
The Rise of Pez Collecting and Modern Toys: In the 80s, Pez collecting became popular due to nostalgia, disposable income, and reusability. Today, social media platforms like Zigazoo connect kids, while Betterment automates investing and savings.
The collecting of Pez dispensers became popular in the mid-80s due to a combination of factors including nostalgia, disposable income, and the reloadable nature of the dispensers. Pez capitalized on this trend by partnering with iconic brands to create new and collectible designs. The collectibility also came from the constant availability of new licensing deals and the dispensers' reusability. Additionally, the potential choking hazards of some designs, like the Make-A-Face Pez, have led to interesting stories and theories among collectors. Overall, the Pez dispenser's unique combination of functionality, collectibility, and cultural relevance has made it a beloved and enduring toy. As for the modern era, the use of social media platforms like Zigazoo provides a safe and fun way for kids to share their content and connect with friends. The platform's focus on positivity and moderation sets it apart from other social media networks, making it a great option for families during the spring break season. Lastly, Betterment offers an automated investing and savings app that allows your money to work for you while you relax and enjoy your free time. With high yield cash accounts, expert-built portfolios, and tax-efficient strategies, Betterment makes your money hustle so you don't have to.
A rich history of Pez dispensers with unique designs and characters: Pez dispensers, with over 450 designs since 1955, offer affordable and accessible collecting with iconic designs like Salvador Dali tribute, Pez Gun series, and bicentennial figures.
Pez dispensers, though seemingly simple, have a rich history with various unique designs and characters. From historical figures like Paul Revere and Betsy Ross to fictional characters like Mr. Skull and Dr. Skull, Pez dispensers have captured the imagination of collectors for generations. Despite the existence of over 450 dispensers since 1955, some of the rarest and most coveted designs can still cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, compared to other collecting hobbies, Pez dispensers remain relatively affordable and accessible. Some of the most iconic designs include the Salvador Dali tribute, the Pez Gun series, and the bicentennial figures of real-life humans. Though the company rarely produces human figures, they have opened the floodgates to licensing deals with famous personalities and brands. Despite the occasional rejection, the allure of having a personalized Pez dispenser continues to draw in collectors.
From computer sales to Pez collector's market: Identifying and catering to a niche market can lead to unexpected success, even if it starts as an unintended discovery.
The Pez dispensers, which started as a simple addition to a computer sales company's display, ended up becoming a lucrative business on their own. A man named Steve Glew discovered he could import unique Pez dispensers from Canada and resell them to collectors, leading to a thriving business. However, Glew's downfall came when he overextended himself and produced misfit dispensers, which were then undercut by Pez's own production of similar items. The Pez museum in California, which started as a computer sales company, transitioned into a museum dedicated to Pez memorabilia due to the collectors' interest in the dispensers rather than the computers. The rarity and nostalgia of these items drove their value, with some selling for thousands of dollars. The story of Pez dispensers showcases the power of identifying and catering to a niche market, even if it starts as an unexpected discovery.
Discovering Hidden Stories in Unlikely Places: Pez Dispensers: Exploring unexpected subjects can uncover fascinating stories and challenge assumptions. Valuable skills and experiences can be gained through on-the-job training, and not all professions require a college degree to succeed.
There are hidden stories and nostalgic connections to be found in the most unexpected places, like the world of Pez dispensers. A documentary and articles reveal surprising backstories that can bring joy and fascination, even for those who didn't consider Pez a significant part of their childhood. Additionally, the listener's email highlights the importance of treating certain professions, like animation, as trades rather than requiring a college degree. Many valuable skills and experiences can be gained on the job, and the financial burden of college loans can be a significant obstacle for some. The stigma against not attending college is particularly prevalent in America, but there are likely many other jobs where a degree is not necessary to succeed.
Exploring Alternatives to Higher Education: The student loan bubble highlights the need for alternatives to higher education. Resources like Margie's blog and platforms like Zigazoo offer valuable insights, while Discover's credit cards prioritize customer service and security.
Higher education is not the only path for everyone, and there's a growing recognition of this fact. The student loan bubble is a concern, and resources like Margie's blog (m-a-r-j-i-b-o-r-d-n-e-r.blogspot.com) can provide valuable insights. To connect with Chuck, me, or Noel, use @SYSKPodcast on Twitter, join us on Facebook, or email stuffpodcast.howstuffworks.com. In the digital realm, Zigazoo offers a safe social media experience for kids with moderated video sharing and no comments or messaging. It's a world where everyone feels special, and Discover is aiming to do the same with their credit cards. With 24-7 live customer service and $0 fraud liability, everyone using a Discover card will feel valued. Learn more at discover.com/credit-card. Personally, I've had a change of heart regarding social media for my kids, and I'm now embracing Zigazoo. In today's world, it's crucial to recognize that the best treatment shouldn't be limited to a select few, and initiatives like these are making a difference.
