The Buckets by Greg Cravens for May 10, 2020

I still use a rotary dial phone. That means I can’t call any businesses with answering systems that require me to “push 1 to do this, push 2 to do that”. So, for instance, I have to go to my doctor’s office to make an appointment — which for some reason makes them angry.

In the old days, people used to actually answer the dang phone. The system wasn’t broke, but somebody somewhere just had to try to fix it.

I know how Sarah looks like – so who’s that blonde you’re trying to impress with your HiFi-technological prowess, Larry?

My technical specialty was TV reception

I could adjust the rabbit ears and fine tune that dial like a pro

A few times when I was lacking an actual antenna, I could make a pattern on the wall with antenna wire that worked pretty well

My Dad grew up like that (who’s didn’t?). Now his system has all that plus the one big remote to operate the modern systems and 4 or 5 other remotes to run the old systems that don’t integrate with the new systems. Every time I visit him, I need his help just to turn on the TV and connect to the cable box.

Using speakers to support the components will cause the turntable to shake thus leading to the stylus hopping. Not good.

So if it has 1,000,000 miles of wires he’d be good at it?

Actually listened to some music yesterday, to drown out the kids’ noise from next door.

I used to make overtime wiring the systems at the Home Entertainment depart I worked in at a large department store whose name rhymed with “Fears Tow-truck”. :-)

My Pioneer still works but I haven’t connected the turntable in years…those records aren’t going anywhere soon anyway. Maybe in the Fall…

I was (still am) good at wiring in car stereos and engine tuning. Still comes handy. What I’ve really learned to do is shop safely online. I stand like a kiosk and scroll pages while the wife looks and choses. Her only chore is to flick her finger……she won’t touch the screen. I will say this…….at least she finds her size.

I must be reliving my youth. I have two stereo systems in our house, one connected to the TV, Blue Ray, tuner, plus a cord for connecting an iPad or iPhone. The other setup in the spare bedroom just includes a cord for connecting an iPad or iPhone.

He forgot the amplifier, without which none of the other components would work…

Get your cameras out of my house!

I get tired of people assuming 5, just because you’re older you don’t understand or can’t work modern technology. I’m 63 and no trouble navigating.

I am with dad, we still have our old TV and DVD players and that is how we watch our TV. Nice and easy and not a million pieces of equipment or buttons and more. TYVM

I don’t like arguing with voice recognition apps. They don’t listen very well…or sometimes too well.