Good Morning,
A few weeks ago as I watched ‘Space Cowboys,’ for the umpteenth time,I mused on the competition between the young and old astronauts. They both tried to "one-up" each other. The scenes in the cafeteria with the cans of 'Ensure' and jars of baby food are hilarious.
The young astronauts had zest, drive and knowledge of the latest technologies, plus more endurance and greater familiarity with facets of the modern world.
The old astronaut had experience, wisdom and knowledge of how things are done without the latest technologies, that is when the computers and technology failed (like that never happens).
Both teams are admirable and had their areas of specialty. It is a powerful message to us that both the old school and the latest craze have their places in our lives.
I experienced this years back when I was doing some office cleaning and had to clean large glass windows. Instead of using bottles of Windex, I was handed newspaper and water. Like the new astronauts 'Space Cowboys' I looked at it and asked 'What do I do with this?' After the snickers I was shown how to take some of the newspaper and soak it in water and wash down the windows and then use dry newspaper to dry and clean the glass.
It actually worked better than Windex, and while it took some elbow grease and a bit of newspaper, it was a lesson for me in that the latest and the greatest in technology is not always the way to go. Sometimes going 'old school' has its values.
The challenge we face in today's amped up, high-tech, craze of the minute world is to not lose sight of the old school wisdom which has worked for us for decades or longer and will still help us for decades to come.
No matter how great the technology, there is always chances for it to fail. In fact, much of today's technology is EXPECTED to fail. Did I hear you think 'planned obsolescence'? This is especially the time to remember the old-school tricks.
In five, ten or fifteen years from now, who knows what will be on the market to clean windows and how much will that cost? And in that same time, I know that newspaper and water will still do as good as if not a better job.
In 'Space Cowboys' I rooted for the old timers. It might be because I am nearing my birthday and another year older, or it might be I am just an old school kinda guy.
Enjoy!
Sanford@berenberg.net
http://www.berenberg.net
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