Small businesses long have been the heart and soul of local communities. There is something to be said about being on a firstname basis with a local restaurateur or another small business owner, as such familiarity often translates into exemplary service.
As the end of the year and the holiday season approaches, the joy of giving grows even stronger.
How many times in the course of our lives have we heard that expression. I loved and respected and admired my father for who he was and the way he conducted himself. But I really doubt that many could say that I was a mirror of him. I was born under a different set of stars with different goals and a wanderlust that Dad never seemed to express. But with a bit of thinking on the subject, I came to realize that my environment as a lad was much different than his. Now, in the stumbling steps of the 21st century, I see a world that has potential to cause many fathers and sons to have need to evolve into a whole new set of lifestyles and thinking habits. The jury will be out for sometime on the verdict for them. Yuval Noah Harari, in his book NEXUS, said, and I quote, âWe live cocooned by culture, experiencing reality through a cultural prism. Our political views are shaped by the reports of journalists and the opinions of friends. Our sexual habits are influenced by what we hear in fairy tales and see in movies. Even the way we walk and breathe is nudged by cultural traditions, such as the military discipline of soldiers and the meditative exercises of monks. Until very recently, the cultural cocoon we lived in was woven by other humans. Going forward, it will be increasingly designed by computes.â It is for sure that we are already experiencing that in the short couple of decades of this century. Computers have become as common in our lives as the clothes we wear, and stick about that close to us. We entertain with them, we communicate with them, we research with them. We learn how to repair our tools and autos and home products and countless other tasks in our daily lives. They are like another set of hands, and sometimes an extra brain. And what do I mean, sometimes?! LOL. I am a bit of a futurist. I love the new technologies, and in the same breath I realize the danger that might emanate from them. Already we have seen the algorithms begin to think for themselves and in a couple of places raise havoc on people in a couple of countries by creating missives of hate and mis-information through improper programming. Many of the brains that have created these technologies are aware of how we should prepare ourselves and place watchdogs on the internet in general. Only problem is, we as a species often wait too long to place those watchmen on the rivers and trails that we as humanity must travel. We sincerely hope that those who hold those keys will be vigilant. In the meantime, the responsibility to safeguard our own lives comes not from trying to close the door on these technologies and emulating an ostrich in a sand box. We need to educate ourselves, and be vigilant in what social media comes our way. We should not take as gospel every story that comes through those apps that allow us to communicate. We must question everything, then we must question the sources that post that âeverything.â It is in your best behalf to not accept all of the data that is fed to us, even if it looks bright and shiny and clean and wholesome. I, now in my golden years, have come to appreciate some of the lessons I learned in my earlier years about trust. Basically, in my twenties, I had some things happen that set a habit of not trusting anything at face value, until I have time to approach the subject with scrutiny. So, in conclusion, our fathers and grandfathers lived in a different world than we inhabit. And as they had to adapt to their world, we will need to adapt to ours. And no one is going to drag you kicking and screaming into the 21st century, with all its marvels and magics. You will have to take the responsibility upon yourself. We have not reached the peak of the information age, but rather we have stumbled upon the first discoveries. Much more is promised by the scientists for the next couple of decades. Much of it shows great benefit for mankind, though hidden just below the surface lies some great dangers as well. Letâs keep our fingers crossed. That cool head may prevail. Thanks for the opportunity to chat. Oh, yes, go read that book I mentioned.
Itâs hereâHollywood has finally released the film adaptation of the most popular Broadway production of my generation: Wicked. For those who know me and the special bond I share with my daughter, you know how much we love attending live theater productions. Over the years, weâve seen everything from The Lion King to Hamilton. But Wicked? Thatâs been on our wish list for a long time. And while thereâs a big difference between a live production and a film, the story and songs remain the same.
Each year, millions of people across the globe donate their time and money to worthy causes. A desire to make the world a more equitable, safer and healthier place drives such endeavors and enables the efforts of countless nonprofit organizations as they seek to fulfill their missions.
The holiday glow of Thanksgiving is starting to dim, but my fridge is still shining with its own turkey and gravy fueled brilliance. Iâm talking about the mountain of actual Tupperware containers stacked inside like Tetris-none of those margarine tubs pretending to be airtight over here. The sight is both comforting and slightly overwhelming, like Iâm hosting a food hoarderâs convention in my kitchen.
For your reading enjoyment, we continue to publish Rambling Vines by the late Marylea Vines as she recalls events and names of Corning folks from many years ago. We are currently in the year 1990
The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center will be hosting the photographic exhibit entitled The Veneto of Ernest Hemingway: Across the River into the Trees series seven. The exhibit is comprised of a series of beautiful black and white panels. The exhibit will be on display through December on the second floor of the museum. For tour scheduling and information you may contact the museum at 870-5983487.