In
simpler times if you wanted to learn about a particular subject you bought a
book, or how to operate a new gadget you read the instruction manual. Today you
can still find a book on the War of 1812, but for that new high-tech gadget,
you either won’t find a manual or the instructions will be too complicated to
understand.
For
example, have you tried to read the drivers manual for a new car? It’s like a four-hundred
page Russian novel with a very boring plot. There is a chapter just to explain
the “media” options: how to plug in your smart phone, find directions on your 9-inch
touch screen from a woman with your choice of accents, play your favorite
playlist of songs and how to dry blow your hair while driving. Its amazing - if
I could understand it. And don’t think it is because we’re older. I don’t think
anyone can figure it out.
But
instead of muddling your way through the instruction book, you can go online
and “google” it. But that’s tough if you are a technological Neanderthal who doesn’t
even know the question to “google”.
But
there are other options. One advance has been free webinars and online classes such
as Khan Academy, Coursera, and Apple University. Or on YouTube you can search
for how-to videos about practically any subject - from how to tie your shoes to
how to blow your nose.
One
site I just discovered is AARP’s Learn@50+ which hosts AARP's no-cost, online
educational programs including job search skills, family caregiving and new
technology such as Impostors: Keeping Yourself Safe from Scammers; Today and
the Future: The Benefits of Vehicle Safety Technology; and Retirement Planning:
Top Tips to Get or Stay on Track.
I
always prefer taking a class in person, but online classes have advantages. You
can go at your own speed, you can stop, rewind and repeat if you missed the
point, and if can’t hear the speaker, you can turn up the volume.
There
is so much more to know - but there are more ways to know it. Start today and
find something new you want to learn.
A
beginners Line Dancing class taught by Rosa Martin is now being offered at the
Center. And Rosa wanted me to emphasize that they are starting simple, so this
is a great time for beginners to join. The class is downstairs from 3:30 – 5:00
on Wednesdays and Fridays. So why not? As the saying goes, “Dance first. Think
later.”
.
A
couple quick reminders. First, Dr. Proctor will be discussing Hearing Loss on
Monday, May 13th at 11:00 at the Center. And second – I forgot! I
will try to recall it in the next couple of hours before I finish this column.
I just need to RELAX, and I am sure it will come to me.
The name
of Johnny Carson’s most popular character on the Tonight Show was the "mystic from the East": Carnac The
Magnificent. (And here is Ed McMahon's reportedly favorite Carnac punchline. Answer
"Sis boom bah." Question "Describe the sound made when a sheep
explodes.") I received correct answers from Jess Birge, Cheri Brent and both
Diane Weston and Lana Tepfer, who for some reason I also missed last week but are
this week’s winners of a quilt raffle ticket each.
This
humorist, actor and comedian is best known as the star of his own weekly comedy
variety television series broadcast from 1954 to 1959 on NBC and 1959 to 1960 on
CBS. For this week’s “Remember When” question who was this “crew-cut” comedian
with a quiet homespun style of humor? Email your answer to
mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or return your answer
on the sole of a “lonesome” pair of brown shoes.
I
did remember it! The second quick reminder. If you or someone you know are
looking for help or assistance such as who to contact if you suspect elderly
abuse or options for in-home care, call the local ADRC (Aging and Disability
Resource Connection) at 541-506-3512. You won’t reach a call center in Portland
but a local number where you can talk to Tammy who will do her best to answer
your questions.
Well,
it’s been another week, enjoying the cool mornings and sunny days. Until we
meet again, when you look through all the clutter sometimes you find things you
never knew you lost.
“Yes, speak softly and carry a big stick. But
don’t mumble. And don’t swing the stick.” Mark Bricklin, journalist
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