I was born in 1960. I remember when man first stepped on the moon, we lost Martin Luther King, the flags burning in protest of Vietnam, hanging on to the tailgate of my father's truck as he drove down the road, doing chores, hanging out in the smoking lounges in high school (yes, we were allowed to smoke in school), the introduction of the birth control pill, how much less women were paid than men for the same job, "Imagine" by John Lennon was at the top of the charts, seeing Bob Marley live in concert....but most of all I remember the big rule about going out to play - go out and play all day but be home by dark.
Maybe we shelter our children too much these days? It's really not any worse of a world than it was in 1960, but because we are exposed to so much more information than we used be; so we have grown fearful.
...It's really not any worse of a world than it was in 1960, but because we are exposed to so much more information than we used be; so we have grown fearful.
I think you're on to something, Kathy. There are other reasons our society seems more fearful as well. Life in general has become easier (at least in some countries) and one doesn't need to take as many risks to survive and thrive as previous generations. Risk-taking is a learned skill, and without practice our skills are dulled.
This has been such a good thread that it deserves to be resurrected.
Goldline. Remember climbing with it? I've hardly ever used kernmantle-style rope.
Here is a scary paper - and not just for the math!
"An interesting exercise is to work out the optimal number of anchors required for a 160 ft lead climb. First, we will assume that the first anchor is a great one, and that we can get off the ground 6 ft. A fall from just one foot above this anchor would fail a 2000 lb anchor!."
That my friends, would destroy a friend cam.
I've never used cam-style pro, but I've hung off a RURP.
Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Well, I totally missed this thread while it was running, but I'll just chime in here....
Originally Posted By: + @ti2d
I'm over the ripe (and getting better mind you!)old age of over 50, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!
You kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!
I've got a big "59" birthday coming up next month , so I fit right in this nostalgic generation, and I will say this - I totally disagree
I grew up in SoCal (San Diego County) and I NEVER remember going to school and worrying about accidently stumbling into the wrong crowd, guns, or gangs. Yes, there were drugs out there...everyone knew who did them, but even those drugs were nothing compared to the horror of what is available now. And "peer pressure".... OMG! Look at what the kids are exposed to nowadays... crap on TV...magazines and tabloids are constantly printing the latest popstars- scantily clothed....and these are our young people's role-models? Not to mention that every scandal that happens in this county and elsewhere is public property and accepted matter-of-factly. Regardless of lessons they are (hopefully) taught at home, they see people everywhere acting and behaving otherwise....how confusing!
We were the lucky ones to grow up in a much more "wholesome" world. Reading (in this thread) and remembering all the old TV shows, music, "playing outside", Mom being there when I came home from school, being in band (and not being considered a "geek"), going to the roller-rink....and so many more wonderful memories... I know how good WE had it. The world changes and some of these changes are inevitable, but I wouldn't trade places with this younger generation for the world.
"The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers." --Socrates (via Plato), 4th century B.C.
And lets not forget:
"I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on the frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond words. When I was a boy, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly wise and impatient of restraint." -- Hesiod, 7th century B.C.
Kids these days, y'know? I mean... those days. No wonder the world is so messed up, if kids like those ended up in charge.
<Stolen from another forum...>
Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Steve, that was funny! Remind me again what it was about . . .
I still think that Gary's initial post starting this thread is one of the best I've read. I remember the day he posted it last year - I had to read the whole thing to my wife while she was making dinner. I don't think I've laughed as hard since ('cept maybe over the one Lynn threw out the other day on the Silly Jokes thread - I still crack up at the thought of France's white flag factory burning, paralyzing their entire military capability!).
Shlomo, 80, marries Becky, a lovely 25-year-old. Because of the great difference in their ages, Becky thought it sensible to book separate hotel rooms on their honeymoon - she was worried that he might overexert himself. On the first night, Becky is preparing herself for bed when there is a knock on her door. When she opens it, there is Shlomo ready for action. They unite in conjugal union and it was good. Shlomo says goodnight and leaves. Becky once again prepares to go to bed. But five minutes later, there's a knock on her door. It's Shlomo again, once more ready for action. Pleasantly surprised, Becky again invites him into her bed and again they make passionate love. Shlomo kisses her goodnight and leaves. Becky is now quite tired but as soon as she puts her head on the pillow, there is a knock at the door and there, yet again, is Shlomo, looking very sprightly and once more ready for l-o-v-e. Again they make it. This time, before Shlomo leaves, Becky says, "I am really very impressed with you, Shlomo. I thought you were past making love, but you've proved me wrong. I've made a good choice in you - you're a special lover. Most of my other lovers could only manage it once, yet you were able to do it three times." On hearing this, Shlomo was very confused. He then looks her in the eyes and asks, "Do you mean I've been here already?"
Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
I was walking down the street when I saw an very elderly gentleman sitting on a park bench, crying. I was concerned, so I approached him and asked what was the matter. "I just got married last week," he said, "to a beautiful 25-year-old woman, and we've been having incredible sex day and night." "Why is that such a problem?," I asked. He sobbed, "I can't remember where I live."
Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Vaudeville. Do any of us remember it? It sort of re-surfaced with Benny Hill. I think it's time to come again will be soon, give the rotten state the world is in now. Just sayin'.
Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII