By Charles Dull

          Just the other day, I was talking with another Boomer on how much sensationalized behavior is acceptable on T.V. shows, news, and at the movies. Honestly, I felt I was sounding like my father.  I remember when he used to complain about the music, television shows, and movies I chose to watch. But honestly, none of my music would have required a parent advisory label.  

In our discussion, we spoke of how desensitized we have become to violence, sex, and language, and whatever else is thrown at us all in the name of ratings or dollars. We both agreed that all of this is driven by the dollar, and the public has the choice to see or not see it.  But my biggest concern was, what is the next thing to come down the pike; some graphically sexual or brutal reality program? I had no idea.  But, over this weekend, I  began to think of what has been going on with the current air of politics, sports, and public expression. Then it hit me! The next shocker that we may be facing is civility. That’s right, getting back to a measure of decorum. You know, that old thing our parents use to tell us, “Think before you speak or think before you act”.

As I have noticed, and I’m sure you have as well, recently when it comes to politicians, musicians, and sports figures, they have been letting the public see their proverbial backsides. For example, we all saw the news stations cover Joe Wilson’s, Kanye West’s, and Serena Williams’ rants and threats in recent weeks. We saw  Ms. Williams’ mouth move (without sound) dropping “F” bombs like adjectives. By this I mean that I would describe a tennis ball as yellow or fuzzy even bouncy but not f..ing. Then recently, I read multiple reports in the papers on how Michael Jordan could not graciously and humbly accept his nomination into the Basketball Hall of Fame.  He instead, used his speech to settle “old scores” with bitter references to ways he felt he had been wronged.

The story that is not being told is how speaking or acting before you think has become a norm in society. So, I propose that if you want to shock someone, be civil.

Oh my! What a noble new idea. Civility may be the next new thing on T.V. or at the movies.  But how would this be portrayed? Would that mean that fictitious characters would have to be polite, articulate, and have morals? Yes. In my opinion, finding a writer who can develop a character like that will be hard. Creating a character that rants and raves is easy. Creating one that can bite his tongue and be rational will be difficult. Now, that would be a Character! Then there is the other problem of 24 hour news. What will they cover if they can’t focus on the sensational? Maybe the news as it should be reported, not as an editorial but as a factual event of information.

At the end of the day, many of us have had to deal with problems throughout the day and would like to come home to decompress after the hard day and not be shocked.

By Charles Dull

Over the past few days, the news has been filled with looking back on Woodstock, as it reached its 40th Anniversary. Now, don’t automatically think that I am going to have some Zen moment on Woodstock, the music, the feeling, the drugs, etc. I actually want to talk about how different generations view historical events that impacted change and the biases they create about such events. One evening when the news was dedicating time to Woodstock, I had a beloved family member, who is not of the “Boomer” generation, state that “those people” ruined the world that he/she knew. The personal bias stated was that “those people” reflected a rebellious attitude. In that same moment, my daughter, who is in her late teens and a freshmen in college stated, “Well, wasn’t that the same as the attitude during Prohibition?”  After listening to this brief exchange, I came to the realization that both had strong points, yet one was from a sense of personal reflection while the other was from the prospective of historical relationship. It was then that I realized that many of us see ‘our’ generation as the glorious one that stands alone.

          As a historian, Boomer, and observer to the above conversation, I can’t help but think of how one generation affects the next. What do we offer as a generation? What have we to contribute?  No generation has changed the tide of history without the assistance of others. For example, at Woodstock Joan Baez and Janis Joplin (not Boomers) were performing on Max Yasgur’s farm (definitely not a Boomer). As the 1960’s gave rise to the acknowledgement of  racial inequalities and to exploration, individuals of “The Silent Generation” were the ones who caused the sparks that involved people of many generations. This brief list below mentions members of “The Silent Generation” who were not Baby Boomers but obviously impacted us. Such as Martin Luther King Jr. as well as John F. Kennedy, Sandra Day O’Connor, Neil Armstrong, Chuck Yeager, Bob Dylan, and who can forget Timothy Leary. All of these people gave us, Boomers, fuel to fire our passions. In return, our generation has given such influences as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Greg Mortenson, Ellen DeGeneres, and even Michael Moore. The bottom line is no generation stands alone. We have all impacted positively and negatively future generations. To paraphrase the famous quote by Sir Isaac Newton (not a Boomer) “If WE have seen further than others, it is upon standing on the shoulders of giants”. So the next time you find yourself saying … “Well in my day”…, or …”When I was your age”…stop and realize that our generation is speaking to the X and Y generation already with clarity. Let’s not muddy the waters.

By Charles Dull

No one needs to be telling you that the economy has got us in a slump. Many of us are in constant concern if we are going to get laid-off, especially since many of us are nearing retirement. It is natural to want to go to work and try to follow our timidity by not being noticed. The difficulty with that is that if we attempt to be hidden, then we run the risk of being forgotten or worse yet becoming irrelevant and possibly let go. Hiding or trying not to be noticed can be the worse thing for you. Now, I am not suggesting that you go to work with an obnoxious, “look at me attitude” because that can be just as dangerous. My suggestion is more in line with showing up with fresh confidence and in fresh clothes, hair cut, and shoes,

          Many of us, if we are honest, become complacent with our work attire especially if we have been at that job a long time. We have become so settled, that we wear what we are comfortable wearing and generally that may be articles that are as old as our job. Clothing can be an investment in yourself and possibly in your job security. But remember, set a budget that is smart and lean.

          Take the time to take an objective look at your wardrobe. Be able to separate yourself from that favorite suit or jacket or shirt. For example, if the shirt has lost its sharpness and heavy starch doesn’t even help, then it is time for it to retire. With that lean budget in mind and an objective view of your articles of need, you can make the right purchases. The upside with today’s economy is that retail operations are struggling and often are running sales. A few new articles of clothing will make a difference.

          When you head back to work, speak to people when you walk in, be noticed, let people see that your appearance shows that you care and are ready to buckle down and work in these rough times.

Every one of us boomers comes from parents who were products of The Depression through the Korean War. Our folks have seen hard times, and times of not having but wanting. Whether they were influenced by soup lines or ration stamps, they ingrained in most of us the value of an item.

          As we were growing, we faced meal times as an event. For my family it was chicken on Friday, fish on Saturday, and a roast on Sunday. Every meal was complete with at least two vegetables. As a child, the vegetables were a priority to my mother. “Eat your vegetables. They are good for you and you will stay at the table until you do”. I know there were times I hated that statement, especially when it was Brussels spouts. But, we did as we were told. We ate them. We didn’t argue or complain because that would only bring on more vegetables.

          It has recently been reported on the news that our generation will have a better chance of living longer than our offspring. At times I find this hard to believe. The current generation doesn’t drink like we do (or did). They smoke less and supposedly are more interested in being more organic in their eating than we were. If that is the case, then why are we going to live longer? Maybe it is the vegetables or sitting down to a home cooked meal that was more of an event than a modern day feeding frenzy. Our meals with our parents were lengthy, often lasting 30 minute to an hour. The meals were also balanced. We had a protein (meat or bean), carbohydrate (breads potatoes, or rice), and steady supply of vitamins ( those vegetables). Believe it or not, we were balanced in our diet. Now, I know that on the table were also bowls of gravy, sticks of butter, and often the meat item was fried, but the good qualities were prevalent.

          We need to keep it up. Although we may not have enjoyed it back when we were kids, we benefited. We need to pass on that benefit to our children and if not them then to our grandchildren. Sit down with the kids with a home cooked meal that has the essentials. When the kids look strangely at you simply tell them to …“Eat your vegetables. They are good for you and you will stay at the table until you do”.  You will be doing them a favor.

By Charles Dull

In the 60’s, when most of us started to get a television in our homes, we had three options, and that was if you lived in a populated area and could adjust your rabbit ears just right. We ate dinner together, stopped our day, and gathered as a family to watch our favorite shows. We had Ed Sullivan, Jack Paar, Walter Cronkite, and commercials.  Television was a babysitter, family entertainment, and free world information center. During that era we watched as a president was assassinated and later as a man walked on the moon. When a commercial break came on, no one was concerned about what was going to be advertised. Usually the options were household appliances, cleaners, cars, and foods. The spokes model was generally dressed in nice attire, and the focus was on the benefits of the item. The viewing options continued to be palatable throughout much of the 60’s.

Changes began to creep in during the 70’s. We became introduced to Archie Bunker, Sony and Cher, and news that became more graphic with the cost of the Vietnam War. But the one thing that grabbed America’s attention was the controversy over Jane Russell and her 18 Hour Bra.  We had moved into the era of discussing our underwear. Yet, even though the advertisement was focusing on the product, it was being sold in a method where the viewing audience was glued to looking at Jane Russell’s… well you know.  Once Pandora’s box was opened the lid was not going to be closed. Since the advent of unmentionables being mentioned, the 70’s were filled with advertisements of personal items.

Over the next twenty years television grew with cable and satellite, and ads focused less on the product and more on the persuasive allure of the spokes model. Then came the 90’s. Jane Russell’s ad seemed saline compared to Victoria’s Secret. Then men and their needs broke into the media when Bob Dole laid it all out there regarding his dysfunctional issue. He told America that he was able to reclaim an important part of his manhood.

          Where we are now is amazing yet chaotic. Hundreds of channels are available with thousands of choices 24 hours a day. The advertising world has taken full advantage of the opportunity. We have now moved well beyond Viagra ads and into selling elicit material. The reality is that sex sells and sells large. Just look at the Carl Jr. hamburger advertisement with Paris Hilton. Now, if many products don’t take the salacious format of advertising, the product may not sell. It makes you wonder if the product is worth having.

          Advertisements are not the only things that have changed in our household. Rarely do we gather together and eat a meal as a family, and if we plan on using the television as a babysitter, we’d better choose the right channel or not leave a child alone in the room.  

By Charles Dull

Although this will be the last article regarding hobbies it should not keep you from thinking of your options.  Thus far the hobbies we have discussed have been somewhat physically active. But, your ideas and interests for hobbies can be as unique and individualistic as you are and can keep you at home or take you far away. For those of you who would like a more sedate hobby, you might try collecting something you enjoy. I have known people who collect antique tools, toys, furniture, books, bar badges, and even shoes.  The art of collecting is as endless as the imagination. Budgets will somewhat set the limit of establishing the hobby but not the creativity of it. Put some thought into items that you may find you would like to accumulate and then begin the hunt. But you may ask where do I begin. The beauty is that there can be just as many places to begin your search.

        In past articles I have spoken of swap meets and flea markets, or as the British like to call them, boot sales. This is just the beginning. Once you begin to establish your hobby, you will want to find ephemeral groups. These are often obscure and hard to find, but that is where the glory of technology can be your help mate. The World Wide Web can help you locate these specialist collectors and aficionados. They are often trading items on such sites as eBay or Craig’s list. Let me give you an example.

As tobacco finds its way towards the prohibition list, tobacciana items, antique items related to tobacco usage, are becoming collectable. For example, I collect these tobacciana items. I have collected snuff mulls, snuff tins, pipes, advertisements, bottles, spill planes, Toby jars, and now I am looking for a snuff rasps. First off you are probably going to ask me what is a snuff rasp. Well, many years ago, let’s say 300+ years; most of the tobacco that was consumed in Europe was in the form of short rope tobacco. The rope was then often cut up for smoking in a pipe or could be grinded with a rasp to make nasal snuff. Rasps could be as mundane as a common ginger rasp or as ornate as one carved in ivory or whale bone. Some of these rasps have made it to North America in the early colonial or independent years. Yet, the majority of them are still in Europe. When I get the chance to travel abroad, I look at antique shops and flea markets. I have found them on the internet but the excitement of the hunt does not stop there. Items that are as rare as rasps, or along that vein, are thrilling in to find. Just as rare can be the people that you will meet along the way. This is what makes the physical hunt so exhilarating.

Find the interest that stirs you and fits your budget and then begin the hunt. Get outside, look locally, be an investigator, and learn to look in unusual places. Let the hunt be part of the excitement in the search for your treasures. Once the first steps are taken the hobby becomes exciting. Remember, like with any hobby, have fun.

By Charles Dull

          How many times have you found yourself sitting at a traffic light and seen a classic car pull up beside you and your mind goes back to your youth? Invariably these are great thoughts of easier times being accompanied by the fairer sex. You then come back to your current condition and think, “I would like that”. You could go out and buy a classic to drive, but you probably would not feel the connection with the car as you did in your youth. Or you could build it. That’s right, you can do this. If you can change a light fixture in your home and can read a manual, you can do more than you may realize when it comes to mechanics. Now remember, this is a hobby that may take years, but the gratification is immeasurable. For me, I have always had a fondness for imports. In my teens I purchased a TVR Griffith which concreted my love for the exotic. This was followed by a Jensen Interceptor. In my twenties, I found myself driving a 1956 Porsche 356 A. The car was in decent mechanical condition, and the body was clean.  The Porsche was white with tan leather interior, fast, and an attention getter. There was also a tall beautiful woman with mousy blonde hair and brown eyes. I knew she was the reason Van Morrison wrote “Brown Eyed Girl”. She would be the only one I would want to sit in the only other available seat. What memories.

          Inevitably, the 356 A would have to be sold for a diamond engagement ring. Decades have passed, and that brown-eyed girl has been with me ever since. The exotic cars gave way to Volvos, baby seats, and tight budgets. Like me, many of you have had that same type of experience, and you begin to wonder if you can get back to that passion you once had with cars. You can.

          Restoring cars is a long, time consuming process. It requires acquiring tools, work space, and books: lots and lots of books. I have found that many of the tools needed to work on the vehicles can be acquired at flee markets. Often these are specialty tools. Pneumatics are in plentiful supply at these weekend swaps and can be purchased for a fraction of their original cost. It is important to know good quality tools. Do a little research. You may also find complete sets of sockets. For example, I have come across Craftsman professional sets as well as Snap-on sets for pennies on the dollar. A good quality mig welder can be found used and can save you hundreds.

There will be constant learning curves; welding, metal work, and engine repair. As long as you don’t count your time in labor and you don’t put yourself on an unrealistic time frame, you will enjoy the experience. I picked up two cars. One to learn with and one to complete in showroom condition. The practice car is a 1973 VW Beetle. It need more love than I realized; cutting out floor pans, replacing interior front quarter panels, and purchasing fenders. The parts come cheap since the vehicle was so plentiful and produced in Mexico. Used parts can be acquired through junk yards or on the internet. I am now finishing the body work and will have to learn how to prime and paint. By going to a professional auto body and paint store, you can begin asking questions from a knowledgeable staff. They will happily answer your questions and help you make reasonable purchases for your project as well as give you tips on what to do or not to do.

It has been six months since I rolled the Volkswagen into the garage, and it has become a family affair. My teen-age daughter, who is a girlie-girl and home coming queen, has become a great welder, and my wife can sand blast like a pro. The bug will probably be complete and road worthy in 3 more months. The other car is a 1967 Volvo Amazon coupe. This will not be so inexpensive. Some parts are reproduced yet very expensive. Others I will have to get through hunt and scavenge.  I plan on tearing this one down to nothing and bringing it back to showroom condition. I will probably have to take 3 years to do this. Understand, the car you choose will determine the cost.  Everyone knows that restoring a Ferrari will far outweigh the cost of restoring a Ford.

          But at the end of a tough day at work, I can light my favorite German pipe with fine English tobacco, and lose myself for an hour or two cutting metal, sanding, or cleaning parts.

By Charles Dull

          In today’s market uncertainty and with work weeks stretching into the 60 plus hours, the last thing you want someone doing is to tell you that you need a hobby. But in reality, it could be the best thing that is said to you. For years you have been working like a dog to build up that retirement and get to the place that you can rest, if you haven’t already gotten there. Now, with  banks closing, buy outs, and markets teetering on the edge of existence, your stress level grows. 

          Hobbies are a necessary part of your well being. I know that when I was working long weeks and taking no vacations, my health slipped. By the age of 42, I found myself being rushed to the hospital with the thought that I was having a heart attack. My blood pressure was sky high, my heart beat was irregular and my breathing was racing. To make a long story short, it was simply stress. The cardiologist told me in no uncertain words, “You need a hobby. Get out and away from the office so that you can clear your head and relax.” He was right. Immediately, I began walking on a treadmill every other day and playing golf twice a month. That little bit of time away from work and clearing my head was great. I am healthier and have kept up the golf now for years and have expanded my hobbies. Just because I have taken up golf, does not mean that I intend to break the bank, although it could be very easy. Believe it or not, you can play affordably. Remember, you are probably not going to play on the P.G.A., so why spend like you are.

          Golf clubs are the biggest expenditure you will face. A set of irons alone can run in the hundreds or thousands. Buy as if you are not planning on playing every day. Try being conservative on your spending. I have found that Adams irons are designed for and preferred by us boomers. You can often find them on sale and for under $ 200.00. When it comes to drivers and putters, consider going to a local golf show and trying out demos. I found a great Srixon driver that suited me. I also found a Ping putter demo with head cover for $15.00. At the end of the day, you know your budget. Sets of clubs can be bought used for under $100.00 or new for thousands.

          Possibly the most important thing to remember is that you are out there to have fun and relax. Step on the tee box, look around at the scenery, and remember that a walk in the woods for a golf ball can also be viewed as a pleasant short hike.

          Over the next few articles, I am going to examine different hobbies that you may want to consider. Taking a little time every week for yourself, whether you are retired or not, will benefit your wellbeing both mentally and physically. I am going to offer detailed tips on how to make some of these hobbies cost efficient so you do not place additional financial stress on yourself.   

 G