Getting old is not for the faint of heart.
But it’s not for those resistant to change, either.
When I was born, there were 48 states. Newspapers were printed from slugs of type, and some of them didn’t even use lino. A fax machine was an oddity, and mostly only police departments had them. Men had yet to walk on the moon, cars had carburetors, trucks rode like- well, trucks, and they were only driven by hicks and farmers.
The world has changed- a LOT- since I was born. A lot of those changes are just fine. A few are disasters. What changes to the world do you hold as most important?
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Charmin toilet paper.
Back when the earth was still cooling and rocks were still soft we had to use corn cobs or some sort of tissue that felt like crumpled tinfoil on your ass.
I miss the sound of real men talking or singing. The airwaves are full of the affectations of femininity in tone and inflections, lisps and sing-songs. I have to listen to some Randy Travis or Johnny Cash just to reset the mental audio.
Another P&G product: Dawn dish detergent.
The ubiquity of pre-recorded media. I remember when a transistor radio was a marvel of the age. Being constantly surrounded by “professionally” produced music has changed the world. How many times or places recently have you heard live voices raised ad hoc in song? Gathered around a piano for close harmonies and camaraderie?
The personal digital computer. ‘Nuff said.
The vast disappointment in the failure of NASA to deliver on the promise of space.
M
I really enjoy indoor plumbing. Army life in 3rd world countries reminded me of many of the little things we take for granted.
Paved roads.
Internet broadband.
Reliable electricity.
Ubiquitous air conditioning.
DDT and the eradication of mosquito bourne diseases in North America.
It’s all good.
Modern Medicine, Electronics, and JHP bullets, which allow more effective rounds in lightweight, polymer-framed pistols.
By the time I’m your age I’ll say things like “I remember when the yuan was pegged to the dollar” and “I remember when most adults could read and make change without the aid of a computer” and “I remember (just barely) when a bachelor’s degree meant something.”
Dammit.
The Fleshlight. :-)
I remember when phones didn’t have dials; you picked up the receiver to speak to the operator. I remember party lines VERY well. We didn’t get a private line until I was out of college.
I remember when we used a corn picker to pick cobs of corn. I was in college when we got our auger wagon instead of using hundreds of sacks of feed.
I remember when everyone outside the city had a rural route #. It’s a wonder we ever found where we were headed.
I remember getting channel 4, 6, 8, and 13 on the TV…and that was all there was. Black and white..with rabbit ears. Still better programming than what’s available today.
I remember *shudder* computer punch cards.
This one’s dirt simple. For me the most important development is the 31 ga. insulin needle. I inject insulin several times a day. I only feel the needle about once a week. Wonderful.
1. Interstate highway system
2. Increasingly effective communication through a variety of media
3. Mechanical data analysis
V/R JWest
Electricity.
It is also the one I will miss most when this all comes crashing down.
Nuclear power production. You can thank the Navy that it’s done so efficiently and safely in this country, and you can thank my Dad that the Navy learned properly how to handle all things nuclear.
My father invented that science, back during Operation Crossroads, quite by accident. Buy me a decent shot of Scotch, and I’ll tell you about my father and the rise of nuclear power, both of the peaceful kind and the destructive kind.
As for me, I learned the destructive kind, and was a Strategic Air Command nuclear bombardier, prepared in mind, body AND spirit to bring nuclear Armageddon to the enemies of this Nation.
Yes, my family world is all about nuclear energy.
I will buy you that scotch, someday, and ask you to tell me those stories.
Wow, Rivrdog, that is huge.
Nuclear Power is forcing mankind to grow up: make peace or die.
Post it sometime on your blog.
Me? Most important?
The Logistics of Grocery Stores – 8th wonder of the world (and pretty much hidden from view) If i want a bannana, I can go hunt at the grocery store. If I want out of season apples… there you are.
I will rue the day it is gone.
Electricity.
It is also the one I will miss most when this all comes crashing down.
I plan to get one of those bicycle generators to run my reading lights. I’m going to be very fit.
The interstate system and the ability to mount an iron horse and ride that system from coast to coast.
Indoor plumbing.
Internet access in my hand as I utilize that interstate system or my indoor plumbing.
PS: Rivrdog – come west some day, I’ll split a bottle of good Scotch with you on the beach. I’d love to hear those stories.