Jackson Free Press

Live from Rico Tee's Pawn Shop and One Stop Liquor Store/Utility Payment Center, it's the Financially Challenged Antique Road Show.

Grandpa Pookie: "Greetings to all my financially challenged friends! As G.W. makes the world go 'round, poor folk in the inner cities of America are hustling to survive in this economy. They come in droves to hawk their prized-possessions for cash at bruh Rico's pawn shop. Join me as I determine the value of various items brought in by financially challenged citizens.

"Miss Wanda has three antiques that cover the period of the late '60s to the early '80s. The first is the Close-N-Play portable stereo record player. This device played our favorite 45 rpm records. Close-N-Play is the granddaddy of the boom box, CD player and I-Pod. Next is a plastic afro comb with the clenched fist on the handle and an embossed peace sign near the comb's teeth. During the '70s, the afro comb was a principle grooming tool for African Americans and for Bernie, the Caucasian dude on the show "Room 222." Finally, The 8-track tape player. This device, used mostly in Lincoln Continental Mark IV-VIII cars, served as a reliable music source during long road trips to the country."

Miss Wanda: "How much is all this stuff worth?"

Grandpa Pookie: "Oh, About 50 bucks. This has been the Financially Challenged Antique Road Show with your appraiser, Grandpa Pookie."

Ken Stiggers is a television producer in Jackson and the co-host of The Lyric Lounge Thursday nights at Santiago's.