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Fond memories of 1978… Ramon: “Mom, don’t forget to stop at Sav-On’s (CVS in 2018), they’ve got the new issues of Mad and Crack magazines I want you to buy

Economics

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Fond memories of 1978…

Ramon: “Mom, don’t forget to stop at Sav-On’s (CVS in 2018), they’ve got the new issues of Mad and Crack magazines I want you to buy. They’re only .60 ct. each. Please, mom…”

Lorraine: “Ok, baby, just let Momma stop and buy some gas, you know it’s my day to purchase.”

After waiting patiently in line for twenty minutes, Lorraine finds out there’s no gas…

Attendant: (Back then you’d have one “pump” your gas): “Sorry, ma’am, you just missed the last bit of gas at .85 cents per gallon, regular. We should get some more day after tomorrow, which, by the look of the numbers on your license plate, you can fill up then…but get here early”

Lorraine: “What time?”

Attendant: “Oh, I’d say about 6AM. That way you’ll be first in the queue…that’s if no one else beats you to it. Hell, I wouldn’t have these darn lines if they’d allow me to charge a normal price.”

Ramon: “Mom, let’s go…the mag’s, remember?”

Lorraine: “Would you shut your little butt up! I’m already low on fuel and have to come back in a couple of days because of this shortage and you’re bugging me about those darn, silly magazines! I’m so glad your Pa got custody of your little so-and-so butt, Lawd knows!”

Ramon: *&%$#@-I’ll tell dad’s wife…

Bruised and bloodied, needless to say, Ramon didn’t get his Mad or Cracked (cracked skull, yes) that day, but visited Kaiser Hospital after Lorraine calmed down.

As for the economics involved which is what this little SNL skit –pretty close to authentic, actually- pertains to, you need to plug in to Google “gas lines, 1978,” “Oil crisis,” “price ceilings,” and you’ll be able to explain what was going on in the U.S.A. with the price of oil during that period here on the DB.

By the way, Lorraine drove a Desert Sage colored Lexus, 250 model, and didn't have to worry about the price of “Superior” grade gasoline right up until she passed in Sept '18. Love you mom, and wish you were here to give me the bruises I so often deserved! :)