Much has changed on Newark Avenue since I attended private school in the Paulus Hook section of downtown. Gone are the cornucopias of 99¢ stores (1 is still going strong) and in place the shell of what some call 'restaurant row.' Some stores have lasted the 3 decades I've spent wandering, such as Morlees, Helen's Pizza, Hudson Camera and astonishingly, National Discount. I've often wondered how National Discount affords to keep the lights on. Brimming with curiosity, I spent 20 minutes of my exciting day browsing the dusty shelves and walked away with no clear answer. Though one item stood out to me amongst the piles of trash; whippets.
Once left to late night trips into the now extinct head shops of 8th street, whippets are conveniently available just steps away from Barcade. Who knew? Clearly some of you have. Advertised on fluorescent signs that seem to demand me into an S&M act rather than a 30 second high, National Discount sells these little bullets by the box or individually. A loosie will set you back $1.50 while a box of 20 goes for $20. That's an average rise of $1 a year over the past decade. Whether you're looking to make some homemade whip cream or need a quick rush of hippie crack, National Discount has the goods.
Cracker, balloons and brain cells not included.
