1/4/2024 0 Comments Snowtape volume 4 playlistLoad a film cartridge, focus on your subject, and push the little red button. The greatest thing about this camera, of course, was the instant gratification. The focus button and rudimentary exposure dial gave a new but basic level of control over my shots. Beautifully designed, it could collapse down to a tiny slim box, making it less unwieldy when scouting out the next photo op. When we got a Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera, I thought we were as futuristic as the Jetsons. In ten to fourteen days, developed pictures came back and I was finally able to see the scene composed in the camera's tiny viewfinder. After clicking off all 12 shots on the roll, Mom or Dad drove me to the CB Base Exchange where I dropped it off. No batteries, no focus button, no light meter - and no instant gratification. It had two levers - one I pushed down to take a picture and the other I slid to the side to advance the 110 film cartridge. The first camera I remember being able to call my own was a little black and silver plastic cased Kodak I got when I was six or seven. Remember, simple lessons are always the best. Composing them has been sometimes cathartic, sometimes comical, but always rewarding. You have my thanks for allowing me to intrude briefly into your lives these past 31 days with these daily dispatches. Perhaps we just did a better job of remembering the simple lessons of respect and kindness towards others learned at our mothers' knee. We've determined that southern hospitality and cordiality are not myths, and sitting in anonymity behind a computer screen spewing vitriol at any perceived offense is a sad existence and false courage. They did the research and attended public hearings and panel discussions. A number of my classmates with legitimate questions made concerted efforts to educate themselves. Maybe we paid attention in Civics class where we learned an informed electorate was critical to a functioning society. Respect for and a spirited defense of an opposing view - how did my former classmates get it right while a lot of the country is getting it wrong? A common narrative was, "I don't agree with your views, but your voice still needs to be heard and your post should not have been deleted."Īt that moment I was proud to call Long Beach my hometown. That kicked off a firestorm as other classmates, some on the opposite side of the debate, rallied to her defense. On a public forum, a classmate posted her opposing views on the bond, and the forum administrator summarily deleted her post. From all the commentary I saw, everything remained cordial. Many took to social media to express their views and debate the matter. Yet another concern was that maintenance and upkeep were not properly accounted for in the pricing scheme. Moreover, while extensive, the renovation did not address all problems such as periodic flooding. Additionally, the school district was already in the midst of repaying $4.5 million on existing bonds. Opponents of the bond cited that taxes in Long Beach were already some of the highest on the coast, and this was only going to exacerbate that condition. These are all good things, so what's the problem? The price tag was $20 million. A modernizing renovation would provide new spaces for the band, choir, and theater groups, address security concerns, and provide ample meeting and dining space for the burgeoning student population. Originally constructed in the 50's, many of the buildings were showing their age when I attended in the 80's nearly forty years ago. Residents voted on a bond that, if approved, would fully renovate the high school campus. This past summer, a particularly contentious issue permeated daily life in Long Beach where I grew up.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |