Back In The Old Days

We’ve all heard someone say that “back in the old days” things were different.  They usually mean for the better but not always and the thing to realize is that it’s just their opinion anyway.  From sports to politics to movies and television, the conversation about comparing the past to today is one of life’s most popular pastimes.  It usually leads to no conclusions but it’s fun to compare and reminisce.  I remember asking my grandfather about different things from his youth and he usually ran out of patience and wondered why I asked so many questions.

When we get to retirement age, our youthful days were five decades ago or more.  Technology has changed dramatically, and the younger generation wonders how we could have watched black and white television with the small, blurry picture and how did sports exist without instant replay?  I know I’m as guilty as anyone for romanticizing the past, but I think there was much to like about things back in the old days.  The reality is that those baseball and football players were my heroes.  Davy Crockett was the bravest man that ever lived, and no one could beat Perry Mason in the courtroom.  While it’s true that some of the comedy shows appear rather dated, there’s an innocence to Father Knows Best, Patty Duke, Gidget and the Honeymooners that is still being appreciated with repeats on some of the smaller channels.  Thet must have a viewership and still make money, or they wouldn’t be on.

The age-old sports question of who was the greatest of all time for any sport still rages on with statisticians weighing in on new ways to analyze the worth of any player.  But I don’t know how you put a value on the moves Jim Brown made to avoid tackles or his sheer strength in carrying would-be tacklers over the goal line.  I came across a highlight video of the man I think was the greatest running back ever and was amazed at what he could do.  He was good at multiple sports and “back in the old days” that was quite common.  When you compare salaries from the past to the fortunes being made today, you see a shift from the owners to the players that was a long time coming.  An interviewer once asked Joe DiMaggio what he would do if he played today and his answer was very funny but had a lot of truth in it.  He said that he would go into George Steinbrenner’s office and say “hello, partner”.

It’s easy to think that things were better in our youth and we’re all guilty, I think, of being more comfortable with the things that were hallmarks of our past.  I know music is one area that a lot of people enjoy recalling the singers and bands from our youth.  The Oldies were always popular; they just changed from generation to generation.  My parents listened to Glenn Miller and Harry James and wondered what the youth saw in the Beatles or The Eagles.  It’s natural to look back fondly and recall that back in the old days you could get into a concert for five dollars.  I admit that I have a little trouble understanding the exorbitant price and trouble that is involved in going to a Taylor Swift concert.  I have no problem with people doing it, but it wouldn’t be my choice.  The important thing is for each generation to appreciate the achievements of the past and be willing to accept the new and sometimes better version whether its in sports, music or literature.

It's fun to remember the past and the internet has an amazing collection of videos of just about anything you can think of.  If you’re into sports, the old film clips from baseball and football games, fights and hockey games as well as interviews from the past legends of the game are absolutely amazing.  Listen to players like Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron reveal who they thought were the best players of their time.  Watch fighters like Rocky Marciano, Ezzard Charles and Joe Louis have all out wars.  Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain come alive again with their epic battles and it is still amazing to watch their talent on display.

It's fun to think how good life was "back in the old days", as long as we appreciate how good life is now.

It's fun to look at what’s going on today and compare it to what happened back in the old days.  You have to realize, however, that you can’t live in the past.  You can take the time to appreciate it, but you have to be a part of today’s world. There is so much to see and learn.  Every day can make things new and exciting again. It’s still an amazing place to be so get out there and explore it.  Make new memories and Enjoy Retired Life!

Thanks for visiting.  If you like what you see here, please tell your friends.

If you think it might be fun to start your own website (it is!) please look here.

If you’d like to learn about earning a steady online income, please check out this possibility.