You hear this all the time: “Life sure is complicated these days.” And quite frankly, it’s true. When I was a young lad growing up in the 1950’s, we weren’t bothered by anything more technological that the three channels of television that were available.
Our “remote control” was mom or dad asking one of us to flip the “dial” to another station. I can still hear the click, click, click of the selector.
One of the earliest “innovations” that I can remember is the transistor radio. It amazed people that you could actually hold a radio in your hands and take it with you as you walked down the street.
I think that invention was the genesis of the notion of having the electronics that you needed in the palm of your hand. Even though the quality wasn’t as good as the stereo inside the house, the portable radio was more convenient.
And now it is imperative that we have a complete and fully operational office in one small hand-held unit. The more complicated the device is, the better we like it.
That is, if only my tired old 1950’s vintage eyes could see buttons that are that small!
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That is, if only my tired old 1950's vintage eyes could see buttons that are that small!
Good grief. Indeed. I don't wear "walk around glasses" because my eyesight is very good.
But, when I hold one of these devices, the buttons are even too small to activate one at a time.
Richard:
This is a lovely sentiment and puts things into perspective.
Another significant invention that I find helpful are "glasses." I can't see my Blackberry without them.
Richard,
I was just thinking the samething this morning when I was sending a text message from my Blackberry.
BTW, do you remember the first portable tape recorder? That is how the wife & I communicated while I was in North Africa in the 60's.
When I was very young I got as a gift a transistorradio. I carried it every where. I can still remember what it looked like. No buttons, only dials. I think that was my first piece of "advanced" technology I owned.
Richard,
I buy a three pack of reading glasses at Sams Club about every six months. They're in every room of the house. No longer an option.
My iPhone is more powerful that the computers that launched the first Astronauts into space...go figure.
Rich
Richard....what a fantastic post.....I smiled while reading every word....1950's???? I wish....I just can't bring myself to learn to text.....my team members all do it and laugh because I don't....but I can still make the phone ring and that's good business!!!!!
Lenn...
And I didn't even mention the arthritis! lol and thanks.
Claudette...
I can rarely find my glasses, I need to go back to the dollar store and buy another dozen! Thanks, my friend.
Don...
What were you doing in Africa? The service? Missionary work? Do tell and thanks.
Richard, you brought back a wonderful memory, my best friend and I sitting out on the porch roof with my transistor radio, hiding from the world, sharing secrets, laughing, singing. How much more peaceful it was!
I love my blackberry, truth be told, but sure do wish the keys were bigger!
Richard,
Oh the memories and the fighting over those three channels. My dad watched boxing every Friday night and don't even think about watching anything else! My reading glasses are a must if I'm going to text but I love the features on my I-Phone and I can see the numbers!!
Richard, I can remember getting a transistor radio for Christmas. The first thing I did was plug in the ear phones. My Dad just shook his head, "What will they think of next?" By the way I was also the remote control for those three stations. I also got pretty good at moving the rabbit ears around for the best picture.
Richard - In my car I have a stereo system that has DVD, MP3, Ipod, CD, Satellite Radio, Hands free bluetooth, GPS, And FM/AM. With all this capacity.... I have to admit that I mainly listen to AM radio. Probably because of my old transistor radio. Somethings don't change
Richard,
I was stationed in Tripoli in 1964 with the Air Force.......OH what a time that was!!! NOT :-)
Richard,
Ohhh, the eyes and small font! I have lots of trouble here. It is a negative with readily being able to read things (like our phones!) but it is a blessing on seeing my skin age before my very bad eyes. It is only when I have my glasses on and a magnifying mirror (for applying make up)...that I actually bear witness to all the new wrinkles!
On another note, My mom used to hide the rabbit ears, until all chores and home work was completed. There has definitely been something lost along the way. I think there usually is.
And as always, with you, gorgeous photo.
Richard - Believe it or not, I still have only 2 channels on the TV. (I've got satellite car radio, however, with about 10,000 options - makes me feel young).
Richard: Reading this post takes me back to my handheld transitor radio that I listened to while riding my bike. I had a "car stereo" before I could drive. I loved that little red radio.
Ahh Richard - you've got me snuzzled into memory lane with this post. I'm too a product of the 50's... aren't we lucky to live in this era? So many neat new things coming our way. A lot of them we read about in our comic books!
Pam
Richard - my eyes can see the buttons, but my fat fingers can't hit the right keys. I do remember the 50's well, don't really miss them. I can even remember some of the 60's, but much of it was kind of hazy. I liked the 60's better.
Strangely, I was just asking my wife last night if she remembered the "wired" remote control units. Her response quite similar to your statement, one of her parents would tell her or one of her siblings to change the channel.
Richard...If I could pick between teh radio and today's multi fnagled gadgets...i would take the Radio in a heartbeat.
I would like to hear more about Don and Tripoli also!!
Hi Richard, I'm catching up on your posts. This one made me smile because as a young child it was often my job to stand next to the TV while my father made circular motions when he wanted me to change the channel!! I can't imagine my kids doing this today! We had 3, 6, 10, 12, 29 and 48 for choices. Nowadays we have a million stations and there's still nothing to watch on TV!
Richard -- You sure did bring back some memories -- the "click click" of the TV, transistor radios...I do miss the "simpler" times but have to admit I'm glued to my Blackberry. Man, I swore that would never happen to me. ;)
To all...
I think that the transistor radio was just about as important a treasure to kid back then as an IPhone is now ... great times back then!
Richard, terrific post. It made me waste a lot of time reminiscing about 'the good old days'. Oh well, back to the computer.
I still leave my office at the office, but one day I shall get one of these neat little devices while my eyes are still working right.