GamerDude has noticed that "dating" these days is not like it used to be. After seeing, reading and hearing about the horror stories of dating in today's world, GamerDude wanted to talk about what dating used to be like, what the purpose of dating used to be, and why getting back to old-fashioned dating would be a good thing. GamerDude has noticed that, for a lot of people these days, the primary purpose of going on a date is to wind up having sex with someone, and often on the first date. While the idea of having sex was always a part of the equation when dating, it wasn't the focal point, or the singular goal, of dating when he was growing up.  Dating was supposed to be a "getting to know you" process. People dated to get to know each other so that they could find out if they liked each other enough to spend more time together.  Sex wasn't the goal; it was a highlight of a relationship that had many aspects, including common likes and dislikes, and a variety of activities, from dinners to movies to shopping. The dating process was how people found a partner, or a prospective spouse, by going places, doing things, and talking to each other, and GamerDude talks about the importance and the value of going through this process so that you could actually get to know someone. GamerDude talks about how to behave on dates, and how to try to get to know someone, so that you had a chance of achieving what should be the actual goal of dating - a long term relationship.

Storytime with GamerDude

GamerDude's TED Talk on Dating

Because he's been around for a while, GamerDude has seen a lot of changes in the world, and a lot of inventions, products, and things that have come and gone. This week, he talks about some of the supposedly wonderful products and inventions in his life that turned out to be anything but. He talks about how the plastic bag industry created the supposed need and demand for their product that resulted in the virtual disappearance of the paper bag industry. He talks about how there were no plastic bags when he was a kid, and how the old-fashioned brown paper bag was everywhere, and had many uses. He talks about how plastic bags took over that industry, and why that's not such a good thing.  He also talks about how polystyrene coolers and containers also came into widespread use, and why that was not a good thing either. GamerDude also taks about asbestos, and how he remembers it being a "miracle mineral," with uses in everything from floor tiles to automotive brake pads. He talks about how asbestos was used in so many every day things until it was discovered how deadly the inhalation of asbestos fibres actually was. He also talks about food addittives, like Red Dye #2 and Olestra, and how it turns out that things that were supposed to make our lives better actually did just the opposite. GamerDude also talks about how one of the more recent inventions - flushable wipes - was supposed to be a beneficial addition to our lives but how, in reality, they are creating more problems than they may be worth. And, he talks about how self-service checkout lines are not really a boon to society.

Wonderful Inventions That Weren't Actually Wonderful

This week, GamerDude is passing on more of the little observations, knowledge, and life advice he's accumulated after all of his trips around the sun.  He talks about how life is unpredictable and no matter how many plans you make, and how good those plans may be, life will throw changes at you that disrupt your carefully charted course.  He talks about how it is important to live your life for you, and how things like vacations and sick days are ways to take care of yourself that you shouldn't overlook. He talks about how it gets much, much easier to figure out if someone is an asshole as you get older, even before they speak, because you know what to look for. GamerDude also talks about marriage, and how it's important to actually like the person you're planning on spending the rest of whatever with. He also discusses how bullying should not be accepted, or normalized, and how you should not tolerate bullying in your life. He also talks about how it is so important to remember that your time on Earth is limited, and you should take advantage of it by creating experiences and making memories that you can keep with you and share with your family. And, he talks about how he discovered that, no matter how "normal" you think you are, there is always going to be someone who totally disagrees with you, and doesn't think the way you do.

Some More Things I've Learned As An Old Dude

Long time listeners know that GamerDude is a long-suffering Jets fan, but that's not why his love for the NFL has faded over the years. This week, he talks about the problems he sees with the NFL, from the greed of the owners to the poor treatment of the retired players. He talks about the over-saturation of the market, with football on TV at least three, and sometime four, days a week. He talks about how the PSLs that the teams have been using for a few years now (which is a "Personal Seat License," if you can believe that such a thing exists) exemplifies the thing that is most important to the NFL - money.  He talks about how advertising has lengthened games unnecessarily, because of one thing - money. And he talks about how the season just keeps getting longer, for one reason - more money.  He also talks about how the product on the field has changed over the years.  He discusses how offenses and defenses are no longer evenly matched. He talks about the disappearance of the running game, and he talks about how the officials dictate play, rather than simply regulate it. He also talks about how the NFL agonizes over things like "video review," which seems to cause as many problems as it is supposed to solve, and he discusses the convoluted overtime rule that could have been resolved very simply, and very easily.

"NFL" Actually Does Mean "No Fun League"

Long time listeners know that GamerDude has loved music all of his life. This week, he talks about how that love for music led him to his first live concert when he was kid, when he and his dad went to see Maynard Ferguson perform.  GamerDude talks about the live jazz band concerts he went to in high school, including Stan Getz and Bill Watross. GamerDude also talks about some of the other performers he's seen in concert, and the venues that he's been to.  He talks about seeing everyone from John Denver and Barry Manilow to Bruce Springsteen and Keith Urban.  He talks about the energy, and the excitement, and the shared sense of community he used to get when he attended a concert, and how there's nothing like the anticipation and enthusiasm of the crowd at a live concert. He also discusses how the concert-going experience has changed over the years.  He talks about how he used to able to sit (for the most part) and listen to a concert, and now people are standing, dancing, and singing throughout the show. He also talks about how concerts have gone from simply listening to an artist perform his or her music live, to a live, choreographed dance show with a music track.  And, he recognizes that he's channeling the old man in himself when he longs for the days when an artist would play their hits, everyone would listen, and that would be that.

"Two Tickets On The Mezzanine, Please!"

In another "Best of Storytime" episode, GamerDude has compiled some of his favorite stories about words, language, and stories.  He talks about how he rarely curses, and some of the "curse" words he was never allowed to say as a kid. He explains his distate for the mangling of the language by mispronouncing or misusing words like "niche" and "regardless." He talks about two of his favorite words: poppycock and balderdash, as well as some of the other words and phrases we don't use anymore. And, he explains what "a shaggy dog story" is, and tells the first "shaggy dog story.".

And Yet More Of The Best Of Storytime

GamerDude's list of TV tropes continues this week, with more over-used plot devices that can make good shows bad, and bad shows horrid.  He talks about the trope of putting the main character in a life threatening situation for the sake of "fake drama," when we all know that Richard Castle is not going to die; it's his show!  He also talks about how all of the brake lines in television cars back in the 1960s and 1970s were easily cut, and also discusses the "value" of a season-ending cliff-hanger. He also talks about the "dumb one" in every group of friends, and how the TV "hostage situation" just doesn't ring true. GamerDude also shares some TV theme songs from some of the lesser known shows he remembers from when he was growing up.  He didn't actually watch any of these shows regularly, but he remembers hearing the theme songs, and he talks about how the theme songs capture the vibe of their shows (even if you've never seen the show).  No spoilers! You'll have to listen to get the whole list. *Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*

Some TV Theme Songs To Go With Your Tropes

"Back to school" time always takes GamerDude back to his school days, and specifically, to when he left home for the first time to attend college. He talks about how his leaving for school was very different from the way it's depicted on TV or in the movies, and very different from the way it is these days.  He talks about how the cost of college has changed, and how he did what he could in school to help pay for college.  He talks about carrying the stigma of being from New Jersey when he went to school in Ohio, and how he bore the scars of being the short, fat kid in high school, even though he was no longer short or fat by the time he got to college. He talks about homesickness, and how difficult it was to get used to being on his own.  And he talks about dealing with roommates and how, for the first time in college, he finally began to become more social, and actually learned how to make friends.

College Daze

GamerDude discovered a new phrase this week: "fossil word." That's an old or ancient word that we no longer use in its original context, but still use as part of a phrase we continue to say today. "Bumper crop" is a prime example because the "bumper" from that phrase used to mean a large drinking vessel, filled to the brim. That use of the word "bumper" has essentially disappeared, except in the context of describing a "bumper crop" - a crop that is full, or abundant.  GamerDude talks about a number of fossil words, including vim, knell, wedlock and pink. He also talks about "eggcorns."  An eggcorn is a misheard idiom or saying, and exists because people either don't know, or don't understand, the meaning or origin of the original phrase.  "Chomping at the bit," for instance, is an eggcorn because the actual phrase is "champing at the bit."  But because "champing" is a fossil word, and people don't know what "champing" actually is anymore, they substitute "chomping" and create an eggcorn.  GamerDude talks about other eggcorns, including "for all intensive purposes" and making a "mute point."

Fossil Words and Eggcorns

GamerDude has made no secret of his love for the beach. This week, he talks about having to learn to entertain himself spending long days on the beach as a child, and how he came to love everything from the sand between his toes to crashing through the waves. He talks about building sand castles, and learning to crash the waves, and learning how to body surf. He talks about how he loves a beach with actual surf, and how some of the beaches he's gone to are not "perfect" for him because they have so little surf. GamerDude also talks about some of the beaches he's been to in his life, from the Jersey Shore to the Virgin Islands. He talks about beaches with seaweed, and beaches with a rocky base. He also talks about the time he stepped on a sea urchin and how pleasant that was. (Spoiler: it wasn't.) He also talks about surfing as the ultimate beach activity. He talks about his love for the movie Endless Summer, which first turned him on to surfing, and how learning to surf is still on his bucket list.

Life is a Beach

GamerDude has years of experience in planning and taking vacations.  This week, instead of talking about any specific vacation location, he's put together some advice on how to plan and take a good vacation.  He talks about what goes into planning a good vacation and, while some points may seem obvious, not everyone actually does the things that GamerDude suggests. He talks about knowing where you want to go, and suggests not just saying "the beach" and then trying to find one. GamerDude believes you should pick a destination, and then do a little research to find out what's there. He also suggests planning when to go, and, using Disney World as an example, describes the difference between going during the "high season" and going during the "off season." Off-season travel is not only less expensive, but it's less crowded as well. GamerDude also talks about where to stay. He talks about the differences between staying at a hotel, and renting a place through VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) or Air BnB. He talks about reading reviews on VRBO to maximize the changes of getting a good rental property. He also talks about having a plan for when you're on vacation. He talks about planning for rainy days, and planning for new experiences, and advocates for taking time to take care of yourself while on vacation, because that's what vacations are supposed to be about.

How To Vacation

Gamerdude has always loved music, and this week, he talks about where his love for the acoustic guitar came from. He talks about sitting around and singing old folk songs, and kids' songs, with his family growing up, and shares some of those classics, like "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" and "She'll Be Coming 'Round The Mountain." He also talks about how he learned that guitar playing was more than just "strumming along." Gamerdude then shares his Top 10-ish list of greatest acoustic guitar intros.  (It's 10, plus two Honorable Mentions.) The Honorable Mentions are from Simon and Garfunkle, and Peter Gabriel, but no more spoilers! You'll have to listen to the episode to get the full list! *Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*

My Top 10(-ish) Acoustic Guitar Intros

GamerDude remembers some of the odd, weird, and unique inventions that came about while he was growing up.  He talks about the original Pet Rock, and how, thanks to technology, you can now get a USB Pet Rock. He talks about how the change from VHS to DVD inspired someone to create the "DVD Rewinder."  He also talks about inventions like Big Mouth Billy Bass, the Snuggie, and the egg cuber. He also talks about how the internet has impacted the world.  He remembers his early days on AOL, and how AOL became as important in its time as Facebook is today.  And he discusses how technology has changed our lives, not necessarily for the better.  He talks about how the art of conversation has changed, and how it's much harder to read people and get to know people when your primary means of communication is through text message or DM. He talks about how people tend to over-share everything, and how that has changed how we interact with family, friends and acquaintances. He also talks about how technology has changed our attention spans.  Long, slow movies, with establishing shots and carefully crafted plots have been replaced by cut scenes and jump cuts becasue we no longer have the patience to simply pay attention anymore.  And, GamerDude suggests that it might be helpful to take a few minutes off from technology occasionally, just to clear your senses and take a break.

Pet Rocks, Singing Fish and AOL

While watching the Loki series on Disney+, GamerDude started thinking about movie franchises, and how Marvel has created such a huge universe in which it could create its stories. That got him to wondering about how many movie franchises there actually are, and have been, in Hollywood over the years. As he started digging into the topic, he discovered that there are far more movie franchises than he realized, and that they date back decades. He talks about the concept of a "franchise" and what makes up a franchise.  He discusses the Batman movies, from the first one spun off from the TV series in 1966, to Michael Keaton's Batman, to Christian Bale's. He talks about the Superman franchise, which dates back to the 1970s.  He also discusses how horror movies seem to be built on franchises, from Halloween and Friday the 13th to Freddy Kruger and Saw. He talks about the science fiction franchises, including Star Trek, Star Wars, and Planet of the Apes. And, he talks about the action movie franchises, from Fast and Furious, to Indiana Jones, to Lethal Weapon, to The Terminator.  (This barely scratches the surface of the movie franchises in this episode!) And GamerDude talks about some of the "forgotten" franchises that he remembers that are either overlooked, or that people have simply forgotten about over the years. No spoilers! You'll have to listen to get GamerDude's list!

How Many Movie Franchises Are There?

GamerDude has always believed in God because of the way he was brought up, but his view of God (or whatever name you have for the Divine Power) has evolved and changed over the years.  He talks about how he was brought up to undertand that "God Is Love," and how that didn't necessarily jibe with all of the horrible things that actually happen in the world. He talks about how his early understadning of God didn't explain how things like wars, and accidents, and natural catastrophes could happen, which is why his views evolved. That evolution also gave him perspective on both the universe, and human beings' place in it. GamerDude talks about the sheer immensity of the universe, and how arrogant humans are to believe that they are the most important thing that God would have created in the vastness of the universe. He also talks about how his view of God, and his own place in the universe, has influenced how he views life, and how he lives it. He suggests that, because humans have such a tiny place in the universe, for such a short period of time, it makes sense to live a good, helpful, calm life, rather than finding reasons to be angry over things, or to fight over things, that on the cosmic scale, really don't matter in the end.

God, The Universe, and You

Stories inspired by GamerDude's Twitch stream. They're about gaming, growing up, family, relationships, food, music, movies; basically, stories about life.

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Storytime with GamerDude

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