Charles's Page

I think this is my midlife crisis. I'm 47.

As a lad, always wanted a lava lamp. Admired them every time I saw them, but for some reason never bought one. Two weeks ago I noticed a coworker down the hall had a small knockoff one.

For some reason, seeing this lame, dormant one triggered something. I wanted one, but a cool one. I once saw a Grande in a recording studio here in Memphis, and began toying with the idea of now buying one of my own. I started on the Internet with Amazon, and learned that although these things are relatively cheap, the quality has really slipped and a ton of people are getting foggy lamps that seem to stay foggy about half the time, if not more.

Wanting to avoid the hassle of shipping and returning numerous times, I hit the local head shops. One had nothing BUT grotesquely foggy lamps (and one lantern), and an unused Colossus in the corner with a busted lamp that was "on sale" for 800.00 down from three grand.

I found a Lumisource tower at a record store that I dig...its very clear w/red goo and I have taken the plunge and ordered a companion black tower. At a different head shop I got a Portfolio rocket that was pink and orange. . Late last week at Target I bought a 14 1/2 inch blue/transparent lava lite. The goo is great but it is slightly foggy and doesn't seem to be getting better with repeated use.


The future: I want at least one more 14 incher to make a pair, I want at least two 52 oz-ers (resisting urge to buy all 4 of the Google branded ones), and I want a multicolored Grande. I found a place in town that has one new for 250 bucks!!!!


Sorry this is so long. I would *love* people's input on how to achieve these goals...I think I've hit all the head shops, Targets, and Wal-Marts in the greater Memphis area. It looks like I'm stuck with mail order...

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