Tag: tv

2020- The Disconnect of Being Too Connected by V.R.

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in retro

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Sometimes I just wish for a day that we all could go back. I am talking a time machine and warp back to the past, even if only for a day. As I stare at the small 3.5 x 5′ screen I can’t help but wonder, have I became a zombie, a servant, a slave to the rectangle device we call a smartphone? I am not trying to be one of those “Holier than thou” type people. I love my phone as much as the next person. As I stare waiting for the next update, the next like the next comment, I get a small fix of the drug I like to call, technocodine. Ok, I just made that up but you, my reader get the picture.

It wasn’t always like this. In elementary school in the 1980s, we played outside and loved it! Rarely did we have technology in our hands except maybe a Nintendo controller for a short time after getting home from school. I remember the days of passing notes in class to my 1st “real” girlfriend, trying to catch her attention and hide from my geometry teacher at the same time. At the bus stop in Middle and High school, our status updates were who we called last night on a landline phone and what the conversation consisted of. Prank calls were the best and we all knew to be ready for the wicked “3-way call of doom.” There were no screenshots. The worst that could happen was leaving an embarrassing message on someone’s answering machine!

Where I grew up, if you had a feud with someone you might end up in a brawl after school in front of a small crowd, but regardless of who won or lost guns were rarely a factor. Today, when arguments break out it quickly goes viral on social media and kids are killing other kids over opinions, ideas, and emotions that are not even real. I have never seen anything like this. I worry about our younger generation. The same technology that grants so many opportunities if used correctly, has also caused so much harm to homes, families, and communities.

I know what you are saying, who does this guy Vintage Retroman think he is? He is so self-righteous. How dare he address this subject with his audience while he uses technology to do it? Truth be told, I am preaching to myself as well. I am addicted to technology. It is the disconnect of being too connected at times. It’s quite troubling actually. I used to go to the beach to sit out and enjoy the warmth of the sun, the sound of the crashing waves and all the beautiful sights. Now when I go to the beach, I have to capture every single moment on film. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with taking beautiful pictures. What I’m saying is, if taking the perfect picture to capture the beauty of the moment becomes more important than enjoying the moment, that is a problem.

Here is an idea for you, my reader. What if for one day, the world had “International No Technology Day”. Literally 24 hours. Would the world stop spinning? What if there was one day where everyone had to actually have a conversation with another person face to face? Picture just one day, where we talked to our kids and spouses about everything in person. What would it look like, considering we’ve been conditioned to be slaves to technology? Once again, I am not trying to make anyone feel bad. I am trying to make us all think.

I say all of this, as I type my article on my laptop. My smartphone just went off so I will be checking the latest news and social media updates just like you in a minute. Then, I look over at my wife and kids and they’re doing the same. Oh sure we’re all in the same room, so I will justify my actions by saying we are all spending time together. It’s easier that way right? I am sure that my sons would enjoy what they are doing on their phones or video games way more than me tossing the football with them in the yard. My 8-year-old daughter doesn’t want to have a tea party with me for sure. Well, maybe they would like that, maybe not. One thing’s for certain though, there’s no way my daughter who plays on her high school softball team wants me to go out in the yard and play pitch and catch, right? Yeah, that’s right, she’d much rather watch softball updates on Twitter or the College Softball World Series?

I am a hypocrite in every sense of the word. I wrote this article for me. I have diagnosed myself with the disconnect of being too connected. Can someone please teach me how to hold down that little red semi-circle button that says “Power”? Can someone please help me remember the conversations with my mother around the table while eating a delicious meal? Will someone please let my wife know that I am so sorry. I know that we used to have really long, deep conversations about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I must admit here recently that the quick text conversations of “Hey, how is your day?” “Oh good, that’s good” and “I love you” get just a little old after a while. To my reader, while you are explaining things, please let my children know that I love them and that I promise to learn how to put the laptop, phone, and games down for a little while. I can’t be the only one infected with this disease. Just remember that it is not the devices themselves that are the problem. They are only inanimate objects. We only get sick from the actual disease when our thoughts, motivations, and objectives become subject to over connection. To my reader, I would never judge you. I am simply a fellow traveler trying to get back to using technology for good in its proper context. Let us take this trip together, one step at a time. Signing off for now.

V.R.

Reflecting On The Internet Of The 1990s!

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1960s, 1980's, retro, retrogaming

The internet of the 1990s! Do you remember America Online (AOL) and Netscape Navigator? Who remembers Ask Jeeves and the early versions of Internet Explorer? There was nothing like hearing that static noise coming from your modem before connecting on a dial-up connection. The 90’s references in this video were amazing, as cheesy as the acting was!

I remember the first time that I discovered the beauty of the internet! The year was 1997. My mother picked up a free Netzero disc from our local grocery store, and our computer had Microsoft Windows 95 installed on it. With our first internet service provider (ISP) being Netzero, the service was lesser expensive than America Online, but it was not as fast, even for dial-up internet service.

 

When I found game websites like http://www.miniclip.com, I was so excited! Although they would load extremely slow, it was worth the wait. I remember being in high school, and everyone was bragging about what version of America Online they had.

Of course, this was well before social media, so the way we connected online was through emails, chat rooms, and soon after personal messengers. I will never forget the first times I used the AOL messenger to message my friends at school, in particular girls. My friends and I would set up times at night to invade chatroom’s and make connections with people, all across the world!

The internet over the years has truly changed the way that people network and learn. Although the internet is flooded with negative content, what would we truly do without it? I prefer to celebrate the good that the internet has provided over the recent few decades. The efficiency it has enhanced for so many people. The opportunities that it has provided. The entertainment that it has introduced. Most importantly, the lives it has changed by connecting people in ways that are positive and genuine. Like myself, my reader gets online today on a computer, a smartphone, or any other device. Think about if you did not have the opportunity to use the benefit of the internet today. Appreciate it, enjoy it, and use it for good.

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V.R.

TMNT Poem- The Tale Of 4 Heroes In A Half Shell

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1980's, 1990s, Nintendo, retro, retrogaming, snes, Uncategorized

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Listen up everyone i have a story to tell/

About 4 heroes, who happen to be in a half shell/

Their names for short are Leo, Mikey, Donny, and Raphael/

Turtles that are teenage mutants from the sewers that smell/

We met up with April O’ Neil who reported that crime/

Is sharply increasing, because of this group called the foot clan/

Led by the infamous villain Shredder who in space and time/

Is trying to capture New York City and rule it under his hand/

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Master Splinter, we need your help in fighting the goons on these streets/

We need your training, your mental toughness and expertise/

Sure you’re a rat and we we’re mutated by toxic waste/

Let us have courage, leave the training base, and fight crime with haste/

To our nemesis, Rocksteady and Bebop you will see disaster/

Also to Mr. Stockman, the fly creature with the first name of Baxter/

Your luck has run out, Shredder since you are not the master/

Run from the presence of the turtles or we will finish this faster/

The T stands for teenage not that it matters at all/

The M for mutant, the bigger they are, the harder they fall/

The N stands for Ninja, fighting crime until it will cease/

The T for turtles, unlikely hero’s to restore the world’s peace.

V.R.

Fun V.R. Retroquiz 7- 60’s/70’s Soul Music, Name That Singer!

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1960s, 1970s, retro

Ok vintage retro fans out there, time for another retroquiz! Let’s test your soul music knowledge and see if you can name that singer/group!

  1. They convinced the whole world that “ain’t no woman like the one they’ve got!”
  2. They pose the question, “Could it be we’re falling in love, with you baby?”
  3. This soul singer compared his woman to a “starship”, which happened to be the name of one of his biggest hit singles.
  4. If you are looking for “sunshine on a cloudy day” this group feels this about their girl.
  5. This soul singer stated that “Love and Happiness” will make you do wrong or do right.
  6. This soulful duo asked “Sara” to smile.
  7. This particular group asked the question “Have you seen her?”
  8. According to this group, “La la la means, I love you.”
  9. In the 1970’s, this legendary singer made us all question “What’s going on?”
  10. According to this singer’s perspective, things are finally going his way “For once in his life.”
  11. This group was so excited about their ladies, they couldn’t help but sing “Betcha by golly wow! You’re the one that we’ve been waiting for, forever!”
  12. “What you won’t do for love?” That is the thought provoking question that this soul singer probed his audience with.
  13. She expressed her secret crush via song by stating, “If you only knew, how much i do, do love you.”
  14. She stated that she only wanted one thing from her significant other, which is “RESPECT”
  15. This soul singer did not feel respected in his home. Therefore he made the classic hit, “If you think you’re lonely now” to express that men feel used sometimes as well.

Well folks, that’s all for this quiz! Don’t forget to post your comments in the comment section below, as well as see the answers. Until the next quiz my friends, God bless!😊

Answers: 1) Four Tops 2) Spinners 3) Norman Connors 4) The Temptations 5) Al Green 6) Hall and Oates 7) The Chi-lites 8) The Delfonics 9) Marvin Gaye 10) Stevie Wonder 11) The Stylistics 12) Bobby Caldwell 13) Patti Labelle 14) Aretha Franklin 15) Bobby Womack

The Lightbulb Moment. Music And Video By Andy Mineo Entitled, “Now I Know”. An Official V.R. Review.

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1980's, 1990s, nes, Nintendo, retro, retrogaming, sega, snes

Truth and realization of the world around us are something we all experience at some point in our lives. How many times as adults have we come to the conclusion that our perception’s are not reality? Our worldview is shaped by many different influences. It may be our parents, other family members, teachers, church members, or a number of other outside influences that affect the way we view life. That is what this song is all about, and I love it!

This song reminds me of my childhood, and it most likely will take most of you back to the past as well. I still remember growing up and watching shows on TV feeling like that was real life. I was so naive with love as an adolescent and a young adult, feeling like marriage would be like a ferry tale. That is, until i went through a divorce a few years ago and learned the rough side of love. Growing up I thought my family was a perfect replica of the Cosby show in the 1980’s, until one day 20+ years later my father broke down and told me i had 2 other siblings i had never met. I am sure that was difficult for my father to tell me, but i always respected him for doing it. I thought people were generally good and accepting, until i fell on hard times and many of my “friends” deserted me. I thought social media was how most people really lived, until i realized that mostly everyone puts their best face on for the camera. Now i know better.

I learned that although all that glitters isn’t made of gold, there is still a sparkle in the glitter. We may go through hard times, but there is beauty in the struggle. We may weep in the night, but joy comes in the morning. The sooner we understand that life is more than a rollercoaster but an amusement park, the better. What i mean is that there are several unpredictable games and rides, not just one. The key is in my value statement, “Never let life dictate how far you can make it.” Life has it’s twist and turns, but God can and will straighten the paths if you have faith in Him. When some piece of truth comes in and rocks your world, do not freeze in fear. It is part of your experience and God is using it for good. Remember, if you let your life dictate how far you can make it, it is easy to stop striving because you may feel that your past and current experiences are what defines you, and that’s not true. You were made for excellence. You are special. Everything happens for a reason. Respect that, confess that, and digest that. Signing off for now.

V.R.

Fun V.R. Retroquiz 6- Name That Movie! 90’s Movie Quotes

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1990s

Welcome back to the 1990’s! We all love movies, so this particular retro quiz is all about the zingers, the one liner’s, and the clever quotes. The rules are simple, read the quote and guess the movie! Don’t forget to post your results in the comment section below. Answers are also below. Enjoy the quiz folks!

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  1. “Life is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re gonna get.”
  2. “You can’t handle the truth!”
  3. “That’ll do pig….that’ll do.”
  4. “Show me the money!”
  5. “Keep the change ya filthy animal!”
  6. “They may take our lives….but they’ll never take our freedom!”
  7. “That wasn’t flying, that was falling with style.”
  8. “You’re killin’ me smalls!”
  9. “You know what the difference is between you and me? I make this look good!”
  10. “Do you understand the words that’s coming out of my mouth?”
  11. “Get busy livin’ or get busy dying.”
  12. “Face it girls, I’m older and I have more insurance”
  13. “I’m thinking about getting me an appointment and go down and get my colon cleansed thoroughly.”
  14. “What we call drugs at seventy-forth street Baptist church, we call dem a sinny-sin-sin!”
  15. “Yes they deserve to die, and I hope they burn in hell!”
  16. “A-B-C. A Always, B. Be, C. Closing. Always be closing! Always be closing!”
  17. “Let me ask you a question, and be honest. Do I make you horny baby? Do I? Randy?!”
  18. “I’m the king of the world!”
  19. “Just when I think you couldn’t possibly be any dumber, and you go do somethin’ like this and total redeem yourself!”
  20. “Oh and this one time, at band camp….”

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Well that’s all folks! Don’t forget to post your result in the comments section! Answers are below! Until the next retro quiz, enjoy life and never let it dictate how far you can make it! Signing off for now.

V.R.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers: 1) Forrest Gump 2) A Few Good Men 3) Babe 4) Jerry Maguire 5) Home Alone 6) Braveheart 7) Toy Story 8) Sandlot 9) Men in Black 10) Rush Hour 11) Shawshank Redempton 12) Fried Green Tomatoes 13) Nutty Professor 14) Friday 15) A Time to Kill 16) Glengarry Glen Ross 17) Austin Powers 18) Titanic 19) Dumb and Dumber 20) American Pie

Fun V.R. RetroQuiz 5- 90’s Cartoon Characters!!

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1990s, retro

How good are you at naming these cartoon characters from the 1990’s? Take the quiz below today and see! (A big shout out to my follower and blogging buddy @LilyPierce for the terrific idea!😊) Answers are at the very bottom of the page. Some questions have multiple characters, so you get partial credit based on how many you answer correctly in correlation to the number of characters in the question. For instance, if there are 4 characters and you only answer 2 correctly of the 4, you still receive 1/2 credit. Also, please note that there are a few questions without pictures in the quiz to really test your knowledge! Don’t forget to leave a comment on your results in the comments section below. Let’s have some fun and remember, no cheating!! 🙂 Ready, set…..Go!!!!!!

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  6. What were the names of the 3 nephews on the hit cartoon Ducktales?
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  13. What was the name of SpongeBob Squarepant’s hometown?
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  20. Who were the 2 mice that had a diabolical scheme to take over the world? (Hint: Their actual names were also the name of the show)

I really hope that you enjoyed this quiz! Don’t forget to post your comments in the comments section, as well as if you have any other Retroquiz ideas that I can create for the masses! Love, peace, and blessings to all!

V.R.

Answers: 1) Bobby from Bobby’s World 2) Phil and Lil 3) Ren and Stimpy 4) Buster Bunny 5) Chip and Dale 6) Huey, Dewey, and Louie 7) Darkwing Duck 8) Megaman 9) Eric Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny 10) Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup 11) T.J. 12) Rocko 13) Bikini Bottom 14) Helga Pataki 15) Angelica Pickles 16) Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael 17) Wacko Warner 18) Doug Funnie 19) Arnold 20) Pinky And The Brain

Fun V.R. RetroQuiz 4- 90’s Trivia, Name That Show!

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1990s

How good are you at 90’s sitcom trivia? Based off the characters listed, name that show from the 1990’s! Post your results in the comment’s section! Enjoy!

  1. Michelle, Stephanie, DJ, Uncle Jessie

  2. Eric, Kenny, Stan, Chef

  3. Hillary, Will, Jeffrey, Carlton

  4. Zach, Kelly, Lisa, Slater

  5. Peggy, Al, Marcy, Bud

  6. Joey, Monica, Phoebe, Ross

  7. Miranda, Samantha, Steve

  8. Eric, Cory, Shawn,

  9. Carl, Steve, Myra, Harriette

  10. Dylan, Brenda, David, Valerie

I hope that you enjoyed this retro quiz! Don’t forget to post your results in the comments section, as well as if you have more great ideas that I can make future quizzes from! I love to get feedback from people on what they would like to see! Answers are below in red. Until next time remember, never let life dictate how far you can make it! Signing off for now,

V.R.
1) Full House 2) South Park 3) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 4) Saved by the bell 5) Married with children 6) Friends 7) Sex and the city 8) Boy meets world 9) Family Matters 10) Beverly Hills 90210

Why Should You Dare To Be Different? An official VR review.

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1980's, 1990s, nes, Nintendo, retro, retrogaming

From the moment the VHS tape was inserted into the VCR, I knew it was something special. Then I saw the old school vintage style television with the turn knobs and got excited! The young version of Christian rapper Andy Mineo wearing the 1980’s style Adidas red jacket, priceless. Finally, watching a young Lecrae, playing Nintendo with a retro style hoodie over his hat, I knew this video was going to be something special.

Sure the late 1980’s, early 1990’s references are fantastic. The video snippets of an old school laundry mat, the arcade scene of kids playing Pac-Man, and the kids riding bikes may even put the viewer in the mindset of something that you would see on the popular Netflix show Stranger Things. I love the delivery of the visual messages in the video. It does a great job of bringing me back to my own childhood. Back to a simpler time where kids rode bikes and played outside. Then there is the lyrical message.

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“Say I won’t, why ya’ll scared to be different? And I bet I will, you can say I wont!” It’s a fun song, how Hip-Hop used to be throughout the 80’s and most of the 90’s. When Andy Mineo states “Say I won’t rap over bag pipes? Say I won’t talk about that price? To know Christ and live life like every night is my last night woah?” I chuckled at the delivery, and then realized that i appreciate anyone being true to themselves and their faith. Although the song is silly in nature, the subliminal messages from both rappers are fantastic in this song! In a Hip-Hop culture today dominated by clothes, wealth, and fame, I love how Christian rapper Lecrae starts his verse. He creatively states “Say I won’t sell my shoes and take my kids to Chuckie Cheese with the money? Say I won’t bring my own bottle of Pellegrino to the movies with me, say I won’t? Pellegrino is some refreshing mineral water, I must agree Lecrae. 🙂

I love this song! The reason I love this song, is because it is counter cultural and takes a bold stand for positivity in a primarily negative Hip-Hop culture today. It let’s children know that it is not only okay to be an anomaly in today’s society, but more importantly it gives the listener confidence to question others about being part of the status quo! I have 4 children myself, and I play this song for my kids all the time. I believe that both children and adults should realize that their God given potential grants them the ability to be different. I believe that if God wanted us to be like everybody else, He would have created us all the same. So ask yourself the question, why would you want to be like everyone else? Dare to be different! Do you not realize that you were created not to fit in, but to stand out? You are special! You do matter! You are here on this earth for a reason! Do something original and creative today, and if someone doubts you, simply say to them “Say I won’t?”

V.R.

A Must See Twist To An 80’s Classic

by Vintage Retroman Music (Official), posted in 1980's, retro

Certain TV theme songs from the past had the ability to simply just make us feel good. Think back to when we were growing up. For some of us, I Love Lucy had a theme song that takes us back to a time where traditional family values were prime time, when the whole family gathered around the TV late at night. For others it may be the many different renditions of The Cosby Show theme, each with a slightly different groove from the original, but all ending with Bill Cosby’s face and that awkward smile at the end.

Then there was the theme of the hit show, Golden Girls. I never actually realized how much soul this theme song had until I came across this gospel style version by YouTuber Finally Aaron. His vocals are amazing and go perfectly with the actual song, especially around the 0:15 mark when he states “this is my part right here!” He really sings that part passionately and you can tell just how much he loves it when he takes his hair off! It is such a funny video that every time I watch it, i burst out laughing! All jokes aside though, Aaron has tremendous talent and I enjoy his content.

In conclusion, it just goes to show that even decades later many of us enjoy the culture of the past, especially television. From the theme of Mash to Family Matters. From the Knight Rider’s theme to the classic show Good Times, I believe it is safe to say that these songs bring back feelings of Nostalgia as soon as the music starts. I appreciate Finally Aaron entertaining us with such a funny and upbeat remix to a classic hit. Anytime someone uses their talent to put a smile on someone else’s face, I respect it. To all of my readers, “thank you for being a friend.” 🙂

V.R.