What if #16 [Writing Prompt]

Each week the Rivera Runs Through It blog presents a different "What If...?" question for you to explore.
 At the bottom of this post is a place for you to link up your own post about this week's question. If you have arrived at this post and the inlinkz tool is closed, or you don't have a blog, then please leave your response (or link) in the comment section below using DISQUS.

Happy pondering to everyone...

What IF #16:

What if it/they never existed?

For me, it was the Muppets. For my little brother it was Star Wars. My husband had GI Joe and his brother had Japanese entertainment (DragonBall Z, Pokemon and the Power Rangers). 


What are these things?


Those childhood obsessions that consumed so much of our thoughts, playtime and imaginations. I venture to guess that the influences these have had on us, even as grown-ups may be deeper than we even imagine. Let me give you some examples:

• I have a tendency to look to the silly, fun and colorful aspects of life. I also tend to talk to animals a lot. I seem to think that all furry things have a basic concept of the English language.
• My brother joined the military and then the police force. He is constantly fighting good versus evil.
• My husband is very creative. How does this relate? When you have GI Joes the way you play with them is by imagining scenarios in which they all participate.
• My brother-in-law is currently living in Japan. I truly wonder if he had not been exposed to Japanese culture in his youth if he would be as interested in pursing a career and new life in that country!

These are all very broad-strokes examples. Without telling you each of these life stories, I don't know how else to express the influence I see within each one of them. The fact is, our childhood obsessions framed us and our understanding of the world. I, personally plan to take some time to think about how I would be different if the Muppets didn't exist (even though this is a thoroughly heart-breaking perspective for me to take!). 

You may have guessed by now what inspired this question - THE MUPPETS ARE COMING BACK TO THEATERS THIS MONTH!! (I have become very Muppet-minded as of late!).


So I turn the question to you: What was your childhood obsession? What if it never existed? 

• How would this have changed your childhood?
• How do you think this would change your perspective of the world today?
• Are there any negative aspects you picked up from your obsession?
• Based on this, are there any current childhood "obsessions" you would like to steer your own children away from?

Write your story. Link up below!

For a list of all of the What if questions asked so far, 

see The What If Prompts

5 Promo Codes from New York Comic Con 2011

It's finally here! While there is going to be tons of stuff to share with you as I get the opportunity to explore the Exhibitor Floor, Artist Alley, Panels and Screenings throughout the weekend, right now I can quickly share some of the great deals found here at the Con just in case you didn't have the chance to swing on by!

 20% Off At Midtown Comics Of course, there has to be some fantastic comic book deals at a ComicCon! Midtown Comics is a pretty famous comic book store found here in New York City (there are actually three now!), but they also have a great online store and presence. Head over to midtowncomics.com and use CODEWORD: NYCC before October 23, 2011 for 20% off any purchase (excluding gift cards and pre-orders).

10% Off at HasbroToyShop.com Toys and comic books seem to go hand in hand. It is no surprise that Hasbro has a strong presence at the New York Comic Con, or that they are happy to share a nice discount opportunity with a large portion of their fan base. Check out HasbroToyShop.com and enter promo code: NYCC2011 before November 6, 2011 to receive 10% off your online order. (This offer can not be used on gift cards, HasbroToyShop.com Exclusives, Hasbro Ultimate Gifts or PLAYATHON Fundraising Kits. The discount applies to pre-tax and pre-shipping amount.)

Free Movie Rental from FlixFling Need a movie night? (Who doesn't??!!) Flix Fling is a website that provides unlimited streaming movies online. You can sign up by visiting www.FlixFling.com and get a free rental (excluding "Premium" Titles) using the promo code: NYCOMICCON . If you are already a subscriber to FlixFling, then you can use this promo code toward any purchase!

$5 Off CSI: The Experience at Discovery Times Square Discovery Times Square, located on 44th Street right in between 7th and 8th Avenue, provides great experiences for fans. In promoting this most recent experience, Discovery says we can "Play the role of a crime scene investigator in CSI: The Experience... Complete with 3 Crime Scenes, 15 Forensic Lab Stations and dazzling special effects." To take advantage of this discount, use the promo code: CSICON when ordering tickets at CSIEXHIBIT.COM. This offer expires on March 2, 2012.

20% Off T-SHIRTS and FUN Apparel!!!! Every single Comic Con I go to, I come home with at least two brand new t-shirts and longing for about 15 more! www.StylinOnline.com is offering all of us 20% our next online order (so I can save on this year's take-home wish list!) simply by using coupon code: CON2011. So go check them out for easy Halloween ideas, fun and cool t-shirts for yourself or as gifts, or even some  super onesies for the little cuties in your life!


So I hope you can make use of at least one of these deals before they expire! Stay tuned for more goodies from the Con and (who knows?) maybe even more cool deals!