Wednesday, October 2, 2024

If it goes wrong refer to

 Lorenz's Law of Mechanical Repair: The moment your hands are covered in grease, that’s when your phone will ring.

Anthony's Law of the Workshop: Any tool you drop will always roll to the farthest, most impossible-to-reach spot in the room.

Lowery's Law of Home Repair: If something is stuck, use force. If it breaks, well, it was bound to give out sooner or later.

Beach's Law: "Interchangeable" parts rarely are.

William's Law: There's no mechanical problem so tough that it can't be solved with a hammer and a complete disregard for instructions.

Lane's Law of Supply and Demand: The one item you need the most will always be out of stock.

Cannon's Karmic Law: If you ever use a made-up excuse to explain being late, the universe will make sure that excuse becomes reality the next day.

Norman Einstein's Law: If something ridiculous actually works, it’s no longer ridiculous.

Col. Murphy's Law of Combat: Always remember, your gear was probably supplied by the lowest bidder!

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Most early memories are...

My niece is fascinated with family history and wanted to know more about her father's childhood. While I couldn't recall many specific details, I did remember a kaleidoscope of fleeting images. Early memories often resemble this, as our brains process and store information differently during early childhood. This phenomenon, known as childhood amnesia, is common and can make it difficult to remember events from our earliest years.

As young children, we experience the world through strong sensory impressions: sights, sounds, smells, and feelings. These vivid snapshots form the foundation of our early memories, but they often lack a clear narrative structure. It's like having a collection of puzzle pieces without the box to guide us.

As we age, our brains begin to connect these fragments into a more coherent story. We add context, emotions, and relationships to create a narrative that makes sense. However, this reconstruction process can also lead to inaccuracies or distortions. Each time we revisit a memory, we may blend it with new information or experiences, shaping the story in subtle ways."

Our brains are constantly changing and growing. This development can affect how we remember things. As our neural pathways reorganize, early memories may become fragmented or even lost. This is why it's often difficult to recall specific details from our earliest years.

While childhood amnesia can make it challenging to remember the past, the stories we share and the memories we cherish can help us connect with our loved ones and understand our own history. Even if our recollections are imperfect, they offer valuable insights into who we are and where we come from. Every picture tells a story, we just don’t know if the story is partial, a true story or a blending of many truths. I do know that I think my Niece was satisfied with the stories I shared with her.

Monday, September 30, 2024

Sumertime and the living was easy

 As summer draws to a close, I think about the songs of the summer. Not the songs of today but the songs from my youth. I know these memories often evoke thoughts of carefree days spent by the beach, at the lake, or at summer barbecues. Here’s a list (In no particular order) of  classic summer songs from my youth that for me capture the spirit of those days:

  1. "Summertime Blues" - Eddie Cochran (1958)
  2. "Here Comes Summer" - Jerry Keller (1959)
  3. "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" - Brian Hyland (1960)
  4. "Let's Twist Again" - Chubby Checker (1961)
  5. "Surfin' Safari" - The Beach Boys (1962)
  6. "Misirlou" - Dick Dale & the Del-Tones (1962)
  7. "Surfin' USA" - The Beach Boys (1963)
  8. "Wipe Out" - The Surfaris (1963)
  9. "Dancing in the Street" - Martha and the Vandellas (1964)
  10. "Under the Boardwalk" - The Drifters (1964)
  11. "California Girls" - The Beach Boys (1965)
  12. "Summer in the City" - The Lovin’ Spoonful (1966)
  13. "Sunny Afternoon" - The Kinks (1966)
  14. "Sunshine Superman" - Donovan (1966)
  15. "Hot Fun in the Summertime" - Sly & the Family Stone (1969)
  16. "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles (1969)
  17. "A Summer Song" - Chad & Jeremy (1964)
  18. "Pipeline" - The Chantays (1963)
  19. "King of the Surf" - The Trashmen (1963)
  20. "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer" - Nat King Cole (1963)

These songs capture the essence of summer and are still loved today for their timeless appeal. Do you have any songs that I may have missed to add to this collection?  I have linked all the songs to YouTube and you might want to visit Remind Magazine for more nostalgia. Enjoy

Sunday, September 29, 2024

3 minutes of fame

I recently was interviewed on community TV about the seniors group I lead. The link is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqU084zHotg&t=5s.

It is also a communication channel that not many people watch and they should. Community TV is a vital resource that plays a significant role in fostering a strong and connected community. Here are some key reasons why community TV is important:

  1. Local Focus: Community TV provides content that is directly relevant to the local area, highlighting issues, events, and stories that might not be covered by larger, mainstream media outlets. It offers a platform for local voices, ensuring that the unique concerns and interests of the community are represented.

  2. Promotes Civic Engagement: By broadcasting local government meetings, public forums, and other civic events, community TV encourages residents to stay informed and engaged with local politics and decision-making processes. This transparency fosters a more active and informed citizenry.

  3. Platform for Diverse Voices: Community TV offers a space for a wide range of perspectives, including those of underrepresented groups. It allows various community members to share their stories, cultures, and viewpoints, promoting inclusivity and understanding within the community.

  4. Educational Resource: Many community TV stations offer educational programming, from local history to public health information. This helps educate residents on important topics and provides valuable resources for lifelong learning.

  5. Supports Local Arts and Culture: Community TV often showcases local artists, musicians, and cultural events, helping to promote and preserve the cultural identity of the area. It gives local talent a platform to reach a broader audience.

  6. Encourages Community Involvement: By featuring local events, volunteer opportunities, and community projects, community TV motivates residents to get involved and contribute to the betterment of their community. It strengthens the social fabric by connecting people with causes and activities they care about.

  7. Affordable Advertising for Local Businesses: Community TV provides an affordable advertising option for local businesses, helping them reach potential customers within their community. This support for local commerce contributes to the economic health of the area.

  8. Training and Development: Many community TV stations offer training programs for residents interested in media production, providing valuable skills in video production, broadcasting, and journalism. This empowers individuals with new competencies and can even lead to career opportunities.

  9. Emergency Communication: During emergencies, community TV serves as a critical tool for disseminating important information quickly to residents. It can provide real-time updates and instructions that are crucial for public safety.

  10. Builds a Sense of Community: By highlighting local achievements, celebrating community milestones, and sharing stories of local interest, community TV helps build a strong sense of identity and pride among residents. It fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the community.

Community TV is more than just a media outlet; it's a powerful tool for community building, education, and empowerment. It strengthens local connections and ensures that the voices and stories of the community are heard and valued.