Colorama: The World's Largest Photographs [PDF]

Wow!

 

Those photos make me wish I grew up in the 50's

 

Yeah - I wonder . . . I've heard many people say "those were the days . . . " but only to eventually come to the realization that indeed things are relatively better-off now - I guess somewhat balanced by the ease of which technology has provided more leisure time but the corporate-side has "demanded" greater production - - - the missing component still is somewhat evasive - - - that of allowing time for oneself to actually enjoy themselves . . . (at least in America).

I recall speaking with a Physician who had an Israeli peer of equal aptitude and moral compass come state-side to pursue employ in NYC only to return to Israel because she thought American's are whacked with regard to the hustle that's required to maintain any semblance of "living" - - - she was completely perplexed at the lack of time allotted for taking care of oneself . . .

One must find their Zen at some point . . .

 

@Nikon4life , your comment triggered this stream of consciousness... (Fade in with Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi from the Blue Album as BGM)
In the late seventies, I was making pie charts for client pitches with an Xacto cutter, compass and adding the shading with rub-n Screentone. Then came the original Mac, the Imagewriter printer, and my huge 20Mb external drive. I was doing voiceover work and then working with a masterful editor who literally cut and tape the final reel to reel together, then came desktop recording and software like Mark of the Unicorn's Performer. From hiring couriers to the wonder of faxing reports around the world to email and Internet, I have constantly reinvented my work and lifestyle. From the Patsy Cline to the Beach Boys and Beatles and through disco, synth driven pops, etc., etc. etc., the surrounding ambience has evolved at an ever accelerating rate, and is increasingly distancing itself from my sensibilities to my chagrin.
But perhaps of all the life-changing innovations, I have to point to Toto and their "Washlet" shower toilet which has been the commode in my many abodes since the 80s - four decades of a clean bum. I believe it and its contribution to hygiene are one of the reasons why Covid had less impact here. (In Japan, they are today ubiquitous, while still relatively rare in the West.) I could never go back to the 50s, 60s, or 70s without my "Washlet". In utmost seriousness, it has come to symbolize quality of living for me.
While the other things like Macs and smartphones have made my life easier, frankly I always find joy and satisfaction in every process, especially when "work" becomes a ritual of thought, effort and collaboration. Whether it is watching my buddy still work with platinum prints or struggling with Photoshop, the end result is the concrete creation of intent. This applies to programming a Roomba and the feel of a clean carpet, or my garden elegantly coiffed by a 70-year gardener with his equally venerable crafted shears honed on a whetstone.
Now comes AI, and I again have to confront translating innovation into personal fulfillment/satisfacction in life and work. I think this may be a hurdle too high for me. Oh well, I think it's time to retreat to Washlet-equipped throne, turn on iTunes and find solace in some Allman Bros blues or maybe the Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett, and look through my digital copy of Colorama on my ipad. Ahhhh... happiness.

 

Well stated - and to find joy in what you do as one adapts to those changes of "modernity" - I remember Mark of the Unicorn . . .

I once paid cash ($800) for a used Tascam 488 which I really don't want to know $$ is nowadays [adjusted for inflation] - my spouse would probably retroactively kill me . . . but still have the Metal Dolby S tapes - but don't ask me to remember bouncing tracks on that thing to minimize bleed-over (that was a bear - for me - on that thing) . . . and distantly recall actually how well it all sounded for such a small basement-style recording format. I really must [someday] convert those to digital . . .

. . . then came across
Tweak's Home Studio Guide
Which was a cornucopia of info and potential wallet-draining how-to on home recording . . . but what fun!

And of course photography . . .

Your words are true and undoubtedly resonate with many within this forum! As time marches on for me I can only reiterate to keep things simple - and truly live in the moment . . . peace to you always . . .

 

Many thanks!