Ahead of Their Time
Me too, maybe? (that's my story and I'm sticking to it)
My video of Prague’s astronomical clock chiming the hour, a highlight of our trip…it’s been keeping time since 1410!
These days, when an essay of mine is declined by one publication (or five—but who’s counting?) I no longer mope around. Instead, I tell myself that I am slightly ahead of my time, that’s all!! Someday the world will catch up with my brilliant sense of humor (or trenchant views on society, or thoughts on spirituality). Won’t 2024 be sorry then?! I’ll be dead and gone, and there’ll be no more stellar scribblings like my hilarious “Match the New Medications with Their Side Effects! ” which The New Yorker for some unknown reason rejected.
Realistically, though, my duds are likely duds for all eternity.
But there have been people who, in the past (sometimes long past) WERE truly ahead of their century (even their millennium)! How about that Leonardo Da Vinci fella, for example? Mona Lisa aside, Leo’s genius can be seen in his 15th century designs for an armored tank, a calculator, a flying machine! I think of him looking down from his Heavenly puffy cloud, and smacking his head, “Orville and Wilbur! YESSSS! FINALLY!!”
Not to mention the creator of the immortal cartoon “The Jetsons.” Remember George and Jane with their flat screen TVs, video calls and smart watches? We all thought that was pretty outlandish stuff, didn’t we? Ha!
MUSIC AHEAD OF ITS TIME: Central Park in the Dark by Charles Ives
Charles Ives composed his amazing avant-grade music early in the 20th century (but he never quit his day job—insurance executive). I LOVE this piece, which could totally have been written last week…
ALSO AHEAD OF THEIR TIME…
20000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (1870) accurately describes features of the modern submarine
“Runaround” by Isaac Asimov (1942) short story about a self-driving car
2001 A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke (1968) artificial intelligence (remember HAL)?
Network by Paddy Chayefsky (1976) television news becoming sensational entertainment programming
and some movie flops that became hits later—when the time was right…
The Wizard of Oz, It’s a Wonderful Life, Shawshank Redemption, The Big Lebowski, Blade Runner…
TRAVELS WITH STEVE AND ELISE (DO THIS, NOT THAT)
DO: At least CONSIDER planning your own trips. Guidebooks/travel websites? Yes! Travel agents/group tours? Not really necessary. I know, I know, but honestly it’s fun, empowering and THE perfect way to spend a ton of time on the computer while avoiding doing actual paying work (or is that just me?) Over the years I have found many a sweet deal on airfare, lodging, museums, concerts, etc. I’ve also learned about off-the-beaten path restaurants and attractions. BONUS: No annoying tour group members! Steve and I are free to just annoy each other!
DON’T: Do not leave your transportation to/from your house to chance!! We have horror stories about airport “limos” and long-term parking (nothing like getting home after midnight, and in tears, to kill the festive vacation mood)! Here’s the sad tale of our trek from JFK a few years back…
ESSAY: DAVE’S BEST
The Longest Day...
BLOG PREVIEW: LORD (AND LADY) OF THE RINGS
This week’s post is a real ringer—wedding rings, engagement rings, heirloom rings, lost-and-found rings. Hope you’ll give Working Title a ringing endorsement!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Whether you’re ahead, behind, or just in time this week…have a great one!
That clock in Prague! Is it located in that big square? (Can’t remember the name.) I love Prague.
Great quote by Graham.