THE REARVIEW MIRROR

THE NEFF ZONE -- BY JIM NEFF

CADILLAC NEWS -- JANUARY 4, 2025

This is the time of year when many people are looking ahead to see what's in the future. However, it can also be a good time to gaze into the past. Nostalgia can be enjoyable and tricky all at the same time. As baseball legend Satchel Paige once said: “Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you.”

Take technology as an example. Sometimes an innovative thing is already outdated the next day. “In the fast-paced world of technology, few inventions stand the test of time. Once-trendy gadgets and innovations have now become relics of the past, overshadowed by newer and more efficient products.”

DictionaryScoop.com has compiled a list of these tech wonders that have faded into oblivion. Remember the floppy disk? “Before CDs, USB drives, and cloud storage, floppy disks were the primary means of portable data storage.” The same was true of portable CD players. “The successor to the portable cassette player, the compact disc player vastly improved the experience of listening to music on the go. Its reign was somewhat short-lived, as the rise of smaller and more versatile MP3 players rendered these clunky devices obsolete.” 

On the other hand, typewriters still have a use. “Today, despite their practical obsolescence, they remain within intelligence agencies and in handling top-secret documentation, or wherever a connection to the internet is more of a liability than an advantage.” More at: https://www.dictionaryscoop.com/article/Do-you-still-own-DVDs-10-tech-gadgets-that-faded-into-oblivion. 

Sometimes old tech is difficult to abandon. BuzzFeed.com observed: “While some modern inventions are amazing, others can be downright frustrating. We posted about those older gadgets that folks still use to this day because they just work better.” 

One of these sits on my desk right now. “My Rolodex is still in use today to keep addresses, phone numbers, business contacts, and every doctor we have ever seen. The phone can be lost, the cloud may disappear, and the computer can crash, but Rolodex has every number we need." Twenty-one more at: https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiasantos/outdated-tech-people-use-today.

This is a big football month for college and pro playoffs, so many of us will be parked in front of the television. Obviously, this leads to some serious snacking. Nostalgia comes into play when recalling some wonderful munchies that are no more. A list of these include: Do-Dads snack mix, Cheez Waffies, Tid-Bits, and Cheese Nips. On the candy side were: Good'n'Fruity,  Lime Life Savers, Choco' Lite, and (my personal favorite) the Seven Up candy bar. Forty-one photos at: https://www.buzzfeed.com/megsullivan/40-nostalgic-discontinued-foods. 

Of course, if you're going to be hunkering down for a day of gridiron action, you'll need to partake of a hearty breakfast. That said, you won't be enjoying some forgotten cereals. Filling the cereal bowls of the past were: Quisp, Buc Wheats, King Vitamin, and Banana Nut Crunch. You could also opt for a Carnation Breakfast Bar washed down with a tall glass of Tang. (https://www.buzzfeed.com/megsullivan/discontinued-food-trends-we-can-never-forget)

If you're rooting for your team to win, perhaps indulging in foods that could assure a fortuitous outcome should be on the menu.  “Certain foods are believed to bring good luck in the year ahead. These food traditions are well worth considering putting on your menu as you set your intentions for the year ahead.”

One of these is common in this country – pork. “According to some theorists, while chickens and turkeys scratch backward, a pig buries his snout into the ground and moves forward—in the same direction you want to head in the new year. Start your new year off right with Barbecue Pork Sandwiches.” Ten of these lucky foods at: https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/traditional-new-years-day-food. 

After a tough day of helping the Detroit Lions emerge victorious, you might be ready for some relaxation. A trend that can help with this emerged just last year – 4-7-8 breathing. “There are simple ways to pause and reset. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is a controlled breathing pattern intended to help the mind and body relax.” 

Here's how it works. “The exercise is straightforward: Breathe in for four, hold for seven, and then release for eight. 4-7-8 breathing can be practiced at any time and anywhere except while driving or while executing a task that requires full attention.  Choose a time and place whenever possible because it helps block out any potentially distracting visual stimuli and allows one to immerse deeper into the exercise.” More details at: https://www.glamour.com/story/4-7-8-breathing-benefits-exercises.

Finally, sometimes you have to look forward so you don't miss out on an opportunity. A dream job may be in your future from Oscar Mayer. “Recent college graduates with a sweet spot for meat can apply for a 'Hotdogger' position until Jan. 31, 2025. The one-year, full-time gig gives chosen applicants a chance to drive one of the company's iconic Wienermobiles, visiting an average of forty cities and attending hundreds of events. (https://people.com/want-to-drive-the-wienermobile-oscar-mayer-is-taking-applications-8764548) 

This is a pretty nice gig. To apply, go to:  https://heinz.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/KraftHeinz_Careers/job/Chicago-IL/Oscar-Mayer-Wienermobile-Spokesperson_R-88072. 

“The dozen new members of the Hotdogger program will receive a $35,600 base salary with a weekly allowance of $150 for meals and personal travel. Benefits also include eighteen days of paid time off, a full health benefits package and coverage for all hotel expenses during your hot dog-filled travels.” 

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Read Neff Zone columns online at CadillacNews.com and NeffZone.com/cadillacnews.