You’re right about the amount of amateur banter in some podcasts. They’re not all like that though. Just a rather unbelievable range of content out there. Making choices about what’s useful or relevant is the challenge.

Most of my YouTube video use falls into three categories. The first, how to do something. Might be changing the headlight bulb in my car or changing a filter in a heating system. I watch those IF I can hear what they’re saying and see what they’re doing. Those videos are useful. Like having an expert here.

And the next viewing category is mindless entertainment. SNL clips. Pranks. Whatever. I waste entirely too much of my life there.

And last is “education.” This might be a TEDtalk, interview with someone, news clip, history. Usually pretty specific and tends to be highly produced.

Regarding ghosts. I remain skeptical despite feelings I’ve had and stories related by people I trust. I’m skeptical about many things I guess but don’t expend much energy caring about it. I think.

No teeth gritting Mr. Grumpy. Life is too good to be angered or frustrated by the world! Walk that dog. Make another photo!

I’m searching for the same path David. It’s crazy how far off I’ve wandered. Circumstances continue to draw me away. Have lots of material to share and write about but seem to be paralyzed when it comes to sitting down and producing something.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. They are such bright, fiery spirits in our lives but don’t burn nearly long enough. As I type this note my dog Junior is looking up at me, probably hoping to go outside for some ball fetching and air sniffing. He’s going to be 12 soon and I don’t like to think about a world without him. I can say, from having so many dogs in my life, that the hurt of loss has always dissolved in fine, good memories. It took time but it has always happened.

And thank you for your kind words about the writing I shared.

Mark,

I’ll do some thinking about what I might like to know from you and your team. Right now I’m kind of distracted but hope to bring my mind and life into line sometime soon!

Dabbling. I love the idea of that. Wish I dabbled more. It implies a freedom in my mind that’s unbounded by many constraints. A great pursuit in retirement.

Are you posting your philosophical essays somewhere? Always enjoy reading things like that. Especially from riders.

Hah. On any given day I wonder whether it’s passion or insanity!

I agree with you Don. Most of the passionate people I’ve met were open to sharing and helping. I hope I can do the same with whatever little gift I might have.

We have such great options today for information and entertainment. When I think back to my younger years I had a couple radio and TV stations, book, records, the library and movie theaters. Now there’s so much more content available.

Not sure which was better…

Yes it is. The podcast makes the program available for me since I can’t always listen when it’s broadcast.