T.G.I.F. Friday: Volume 180

Welcome to “Thank God I’m FI” Friday, Volume #180

Here are some things I really like and that you might too!

Financial Independence/Work Life/Retirement Articles & Content

What Retirees Might Give Up When They Age in Place (Morningstar)  “The home that’s served you well for decades can work against your health, finances, and social connections, a longevity expert says. Here’s how to tell if it’s still the right fit.”  Dave’s Comment: This article hit home for me, pun intended. I wrote years ago about the conundrum of living in a crowded and noisy city and feeling so happy in more quiet and remote places. I’m still constantly contemplating this. I have a huge friend network here in the DC-Baltimore area, and all studies show that for middle aged folks like me that’s of utmost importance. But I’ve also tired of the crowded city life (especially the constant noise). This article is a great discussion around these issues.

The typical gig worker is changing – and struggling more than ever to make ends meet (The Conversation)  “The next time you call an Uber ride or order food delivery with an app, there’s a good chance that the gig worker you meet is getting government benefits.“

Video

There’s nothing better than watching mastery on actual real musical instruments.  Last October in T.G.I.F. 156 I ran the news that Rush would go back on tour after the death of Neil Peart with Anika Nilles as their new drummer.  Well that tour has been running for a while now and I’ve enjoyed watching fan videos.  Watch this video from the side of Nilles slaying the hell out of the ending of the famous early Rush song “By-Tor & The Snow Dog” which has weird timings and requires uber-precision with Alex and Geddy.  She had a huge task – fill in for one of the most legendary drummers in rock history, and she’s been killin’ it the entire tour.

What I’m Grateful For

My career.  Twenty five years ago today our world was rocked by events we could have never imagined, and lots of people died.  I spent most of my career trying to prevent more events like that from happening.  While it didn’t always work and politicians and decision makers often took wrong turns, I always did my best and am grateful that I was able to contribute, however small my contributions may have been.  Onwards and upwards to a better world!

Lyrically Speaking

And I’ve been working all night
I go on into the day
Ain’t got much money now
Got the time ahead to pay

From “Martin’s Song” by The Jayhawks

I’ve mentioned the Jayhawks too many times to count in this section over the years but when I checked I found that I never actually highlighted them.  So here we go.   In the mid-1980’s when synthesizer-mania was still firmly holding grip of mainstream rock music and hair metal was rising to start it’s 5 year run of dominance, it took balls to make “country rock”.  Sure the Eagles cashed in big-time on country rock sounds in the 1970’s and were still on the radio but those sounds were antiquated to the 1980’s ear. 

Enter the Jayhawks.  Hailing from Minnesota they released their first album in 1986, and it couldn’t have sounded more out of place to the trends of the time if they tried.  But they were the progenitors of what would become a huge movement in music that would start really flourishing in 4 or 5 years.  Known as Americana or “alt-country”, bands like Uncle Tupelo, Blue Mountain, The Jayhawks, From Good Homes, and the Scud Mountain Boys took off in the 1990’s.  These bands took roots rock, elements of country and punk, and a dash of blues and made some great records. 

Americana music has had it’s own awards ceremony for years now and is a big genre of music.  The Jayhawks are arguably the original band of this 2nd movement (after bands like the Eagles, Poco, and the Flying Burrito Brothers made similar records in the 1970’s), and still one of the best.  I write this with delight because they just released their 12th studio album called Sanctuary Park, and it’s really good.  I have all of their albums, many bootlegs, and have seen them live.  They’re a staple of my music listening. 

As for the lyrics above, I once worked at a grocery store stocking shelves overnight when I was in college.  I didn’t have much money, but I had plenty of time ahead to make it, and it worked.  Now I’ve got plenty of money but want more time ahead to play.

Miscellaneous

Obesity leaves a lasting memory in immune cells – “Obesity may leave a hidden “memory” in the immune system that lingers for years after weight loss.” Dave’s Comment: I posted an article similar to this in T.G.I.F. Friday Volume 153 last August.  That article showed evidence that fat cells “remember” obesity or being in an obese state even well after weight is lost. Now this article shows strong evidence of long lasting effects of obesity on the immune system even after weight loss. This is purely anecdotal, but maybe it explains why I continue to become a better cyclist in my 50’s. I was obese well into my 30’s and maybe my body is finally “unremembering” it… who knows.

In an Age of AI, a Physicist Seeks What Endures – “Sarah Demers, chair of the physics department at Yale University, sees the potential for large language models to both help and harm her field.”

How to Become a Person After Smartphones Have Rotted Your Brain – “The three pathologies — counterfeit rites of passage, curiositas, and diminished agency — are not merely technological or neurological, but social, intellectual, and spiritual. They erode the solid self, leaving us unable to sustain real community.”  

**Note To My Readers – I sometimes get complaints about ads on my blog (too many).  I’m kind of astonished that anyone browses the internet without an ad-blocker.  I haven’t seen ads in over a decade, and you shouldn’t either.  Please use an ad blocker, your life will improve 500%