Roller Skating and Skate Keys: A Nostalgic Blast from the Past

Roller skating has been a beloved pastime enjoyed by generations of kids and adults alike. It’s hard to believe that the first use of roller skates was in a London stage performance way back in 1743!

John Joseph Merlin, a London resident in 1760, deserves the credit for inventing the first skates. Roller skates have certainly come a long way since then!

In the United States, roller skating gained popularity as a pastime in 1935. But it wasn’t until the introduction of skating rinks playing disco music in the 1970s that roller skating became a huge trend. It seemed like everyone wanted to hit the rinks and groove to the music!

Speaking of roller skating, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Do you remember those heavy metal skates that you could attach to your shoes? They were quite the fashion statement back in the day. But there’s something else that you might remember if you were a skater before the 1970s – the iconic skate key.

This copper-colored object was an essential accessory for anyone with roller skates. At first glance, it may look like a bottle opener or some kind of tool, but it is actually a skate key. With the skate key, you could adjust the size of your skates by fitting it into the back of the pair. And to make sure they didn’t get lost while skating, most people wore the key around their necks. It was a small but significant part of the roller skating experience.

Skate keys were such an integral part of roller skating that there have even been songs written about them! They symbolize a time when roller skating was a cherished activity, filled with fun and memories.

So, do you remember skate keys? We’d love to hear your skating stories on our Facebook page. Let’s share this delightful blast from the past with others who may have fond memories of roller skating and skate keys too!

The Wisdom of Jennifer Lopez in Love and Dating

If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s and navigating the world of dating apps, you know how exhausting it can be to sift through countless potential matches. But what if you had a guiding light to help you navigate this process? And what if that guiding light happened to be the one and only Jennifer Lopez?In a recent episode of Tinder’s “Swipe Sessions” video series, Lopez provided invaluable advice to Brooke, a 29-year-old country singer, as they sifted through her options on the app. Brooke expressed her desire to find a man who could “chop wood,” and as they swiped through profiles, Lopez shared some insightful dating wisdom.

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“Guys, until they’re 33, are really useless,” Lopez boldly stated.While this statement might seem harsh, there is some truth to it. According to relationship expert Jane Greer, author of “What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship,” Lopez’s advice holds weight, especially if you are seeking commitment.Men often need time to establish their professional careers and attain financial stability, which in turn brings a sense of security to their lives. This journey towards maturity, influenced by accomplishments and experiences, usually occurs in their early 30s.

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This doesn’t mean that men in their 20s should be entirely off-limits. However, it does help explain why some men suddenly undergo a shift in their ability to commit once they reach their 30s.Greer further explains, “Sometimes you see a guy who’s been in several relationships, but then, in his early 30s, suddenly he meets a woman and is ready to marry her.”Share

While Jennifer Lopez’s advice may not apply to everyone, one thing is certain: knowing your worth and having standards that align with it never hurt anyone. So, the next time you find yourself swiping on a dating app, ask yourself, “What would Jennifer Lopez do?”