To Associated Press and United Press wire service. The stories came in to newspaper offices via a machine. And photos had to be developed before being printed and sent with the stories. Now I remember this. Those born before 2000, 25 or so years ago, do not remember this. There is a whole lot they perhaps have just heard about.

Instantaneous everything – it makes us impatient and creates a sense of helplessness when, for some inexplicable reason, things don’t go as planned. I can’t imagine what this does to those post millennials when this happens.

I could go on and on, and provide endless examples, for instance, what also comes to mind is typewriters. I got a portable Olivetti typewriter when I was in high school. I used it in college, and wrote poetry, short stories, literature papers, journalism articles and the like on it. I was working on my MFA thesis when computers went on the market. For me, I no longer had to write and rewrite drafts. I still wrote rough drafts by hand, and I still do this.

I once asked a teacher if students were taught to write in cursive and was told that this became passe a long time ago. This got me to fantasizing, thinking of starting a school where older ways of doing things are taught.

Students would write on typewriters. No cell phones would be allowed. And rather than allow them to watch computer videos, I’d have a stack of books on hand from which they could pick any books that they’d like to read. They would, during this time, have access to comfortable chairs, and to one another.

I’d also have show and tell, and I’d also teach math using an abacus. Actually, I would not teach math. I’d get someone else to do this.

The way of teaching and the subjects would not be set in stone, but they would be based on student interest.

If, say, a student had an interest in horses, he or she would be taught to handicap race horses. And if a student had an interest in learning a foreign language, they would be partnered with someone who speaks this language.

Today I found a calligraphy set. I don’t know who dropped it off. I thought someone had left it for Pam, but she said no. I am going to have Cathy Stone teach me this. This, see, is something that students could learn if they wished.

Maybe Zach and his wife Brianna have the right idea. Their children are home schooled and learning outdoor skills. This includes how to trap, which makes me flinch.

But a school – lost in homeschooling is the social aspect of learning.

Lastly, the older students would work with/teach the younger ones. A great idea. I do have triple vision.

Next: 29. 1/29/25: Time to Call it a Day