Records, Cassettes and CDs (What)?

Every few years, an advance in technology comes along that renders the previous technology obsolete. This cycle of innovation has happened countless times throughout history. For example, the steam engine revolutionized transportation, but eventually, cars and airplanes made train travel less essential.

Later, the telegraph enabled relatively quick long-distance communication. However, the telephone's advent rendered the telegraph nearly obsolete. Similarly, in the 1980s and 1990s, every household had a VCR, but the arrival of DVDs and DVD players made VCRs and VHS tapes redundant.

This pattern continues today. The late 1990s saw the rise of the MP3 player, which became the primary way music enthusiasts listened to their tunes. Records were the mainstay for decades, and then 8-track tapes, cassettes, and compact discs took their turns in the spotlight. However, with the advent of digital downloads and streaming services, physical media like CDs and tapes have largely fallen by the wayside.

MP3 players, and later smartphones, revolutionized music consumption by offering seamless playback without the skipping issues of CDs or the fragility of records and cassettes. As a result, records, cassettes, and CDs have become artifacts in the music world, with most people preferring to download or stream their music.

Despite this shift, vinyl records have seen a resurgence among collectors and audiophiles, and some companies still release music on vinyl and cassette tapes. However, these formats are now niche markets, much like relics of a bygone era.

The cycle of technological evolution continues beyond music. Traditional television commercials are becoming artifacts of the past as streaming services with ad-free options grow in popularity. Flat-screen digital sets have replaced regular televisions. DVDs are gradually moving into the artifact category as streaming services and digital downloads dominate how we consume video content.

This natural evolution reflects society's constant drive for newer, better products. While we might nostalgically mourn the loss of records, cassettes, and CDs, we embrace MP3s, smartphones, and streaming services for their superior quality and convenience. In our consumption-obsessed culture, innovation is key.

So, say goodbye to the record, the cassette, and the compact disc—they are artifacts now. Say hello to the future of music with a good set of tunes and a reliable streaming service such as Spotify and Apple Music. Both offer extensive libraries, user-friendly interfaces, and high-quality streaming options.

Old man take a look at your life now

A friend sent me the following and I am sharing it. But the sentiment in the poem is dark so I rewrote it with apologies to the original unknown author. 

CRABBY OLD MAN

 When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through his meagre possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. One nurse took her copy to Alberta. The old man's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Christmas edition of the News Magazine of the St. Louis Association for Mental Health. A slide presentation has also been made based on his simple, but eloquent, poem. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.

Crabby Old Man

What do you see nurses? . . . .. . What do you see?

What are you thinking . . . . . when you're looking at me?

A crabby old man . .. . .. . not very wise,

Uncertain of habit . . . . . with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . and makes no reply.

When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'

Who seems not to notice .. .. . . . the things that you do.

And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?

Who, resisting or not .. . . . . lets you do as you will,

With bathing and feeding . . . . . The long day to fill?

Is that what you're thinking? . . . . . Is that what you see?

Then open your eyes, nurse . . . . . you're not looking at me..

I'll tell you who I am. . . . . . As I sit here so still,

As I do at your bidding, . . . . . as I eat at your will.

I'm a small child of Ten . . .. . . with a father and mother,

Brothers and sisters . . . . . who love one another.

A young boy of Sixteen . . . . with wings on his feet.

Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet.

A groom soon at Twenty . . . . . my heart gives a leap.

Remembering, the vows . . . . . that I promised to keep.

At Twenty-Five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.

Who need me to guide . . . . .. And a secure happy home.

A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,

Bound to each other . . . .. . With ties that should last.

At Forty, my young sons . . . . . have grown and are gone,

But my woman's beside me . . . .. . to see I don't mourn.

At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,

Again, we know children . . . . .. My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . . . my wife is now dead.

I look at the future . . . . . shudder with dread.

For my young are all rearing . . . . . young of their own.

And I think of the years . . . . . and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . and nature is cruel.

Tis jest to make old age . . . . . look like a fool.

The body, it crumbles . . . . . grace and vigor, depart.

There is now a stone . . . . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . . . a young guy still dwells,

And now and again . . . . . my battered heart swells.

I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.

And I'm loving and living . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . .. . . . gone too fast.

And accept the stark fact . . .. . that nothing can last.

So open your eyes, people .. . . . . open and see.

Not a crabby old man . . . Look closer . . . see ME!!

My version of the poem with a more positive outlook than the original  Crabby Old Man

What do you see, dear ones? What do you see?

What are you thinking when you're looking at me?

A vibrant old soul, full of life and glee,

With a heart that's still beating strong and free.

 

Who's still got a twinkle in their eye,

And a story to tell, and a memory to buy.

Who's still got a spark, a flame that's bright,

And a spirit that's still dancing through the night.

 

Who's still got a sense of humour, and a heart that's light,

 And a love for life, that shines like a beacon in flight.

Who's still got a dream, a goal, a passion to pursue,

And a fire that burns, that's still burning anew.

 

Who's still got a family, a loved one by their side,

And a legacy to leave, a story to abide.

Who's still got a purpose, a reason to get up and face,

The challenges of life, with a heart that's full of grace.

 

Is that what you're seeing? Is that what you see?

Then open your eyes, dear ones, and look closer at me.

I'm not just an old person, I'm a story to be told,

A life that's been lived, with moments to behold.

 

I'm a young boy, a teenager, a young adult too,

A parent, a grandparent, a great-grandparent, with a story or two.

I'm a person, with a heart that beats, with a soul that's bright,

And a life that's been lived, with all its joys and its plight.

 

So don't just see the wrinkles, don't just see the gray,

Look closer, dear ones, and see the person, in every way.

See the love, the laughter, the tears, the fears,

See the life that's been lived, through all the years.

 

And when you look at me, don't just see an old face,

See the person, with a story to tell, and a heart that's still in place.

See the love, the light, the life, that's still shining bright,

And know that I'm still here, with a story to share, and a heart that's still alight.

Remember either one of these poems when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within. We will all, one day, be there, too!

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. Some individuals may only suffer from a specific fear such as eating or drinking, speaking, or writing if others are around or watching. Some people have a fear or going to the bathroom in a public restroom. Other people are fearful in all social situations and are never comfortable. 

The normal daily activities that most people take for granted are so horrifying and worrisome it can be physically debilitating. This illness can cause people to miss work or school if they fear they will have to get up and be seen or noticed. Many persons with social phobia may have problems with relationships and can find it very difficult to meet and keep friends. Even when the person has friends they may not be able to enjoy going out with them or being with them in large crowds of other people who might be less known. Five of the most common symptoms are:

* Blushing often in social situations.

* Profuse sweating when anxious.

* Trembling when approached or spoken to.

* Nausea as anxiety increases and possibly vomiting. 

* Extreme difficulty talking.

This disorder affects approximately 5.3 million American adults with men and women being affected equally. Social phobia usually starts to develop in childhood or the early teens. There is belief that social anxiety disorder can also be hereditary so if a family member has it you are at a higher risk of developing it. 

Because of the nature and the severity of the anxiety people with this disorder have a higher risk of self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to try to relax and calm down. This only leads to worse problems and possibly addiction. To treat this disease one needs to see a doctor and seek psychotherapy and/or medications. 

Something to think about

I was sent the following quote the other week. "Those who achieve great things, defeat long odds, and become legends, don’t have anything you don't have. They just kept showing up, expecting a miracle, long after everyone else got practical."

I thought it was a powerful and inspiring thought! Here is why

1. Everyone has the same resources: The idea that those who achieve great things have something special or unique that others don't is a myth. In reality, everyone has the same basic resources: intelligence, talent, skills, and opportunities. The difference lies in how they use these resources.
2. Consistency is key: The phrase "kept showing up" emphasizes the importance of persistence and consistency. Legends don't achieve their goals overnight; they put in the effort, day in and day out, often for years. This consistency is what sets them apart from others.
3. Expecting a miracle: This phrase is often misunderstood. It's not about expecting a sudden, magical solution to appear out of thin air. Rather, it's about having faith that your hard work and dedication will eventually lead to success. It's about trusting the process and staying committed to your goals.
4. Long after everyone else got practical: This part of the quote highlights the importance of staying optimistic and idealistic, even when others have given up or become pragmatic. Legends don't settle for mediocrity; they keep pushing forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
5. The power of delayed gratification: Achieving great things often requires delayed gratification. Legends are willing to put in the work now, knowing that the rewards will come later. They're willing to make sacrifices and take risks, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.
6. The importance of mental toughness: Legends have a mental toughness that allows them to overcome obstacles and setbacks. They're able to bounce back from failures and keep moving forward, even when others might give up.
7. The value of a growth mindset: Legends have a growth mindset, believing that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. They're not limited by their current circumstances or abilities; they see themselves as capable of growth and improvement.
8. The power of community and support: Legends often have a strong support system, whether it's a team, a mentor, or a community. They recognize the importance of surrounding themselves with people who believe in them and can help them achieve their goals.

To apply these lessons to your own life, try the following:

• Set clear, ambitious goals for yourself and create a plan to achieve them.
• Show up consistently and put in the effort required to achieve your goals.
• Stay optimistic and idealistic, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
• Focus on the process, not just the outcome, and trust that your hard work will eventually lead to success.
• Surround yourself with people who support and believe in you.
• Embrace delayed gratification and be willing to make sacrifices for your goals.

Remember, achieving great things requires a combination of hard work, persistence, and mental toughness. By applying these lessons, you can increase your chances of success and become a legend in your own right.