New Seniors

Americans have enjoyed motion pictures for more than a century. Movies have gone from a novelty to entertainment to an art form. They helped us forget our troubles during the Great Depression and our fears through the war years that followed. And, to this day, people can leave the real world outside while concentrating on what’s happening on the screen. The question is where do motion pictures fit in today’s lifestyles?

Only in American can the host of a fake news show be considered more influential than the President of the United States. At least, that’s what a popular web site for younger men reports. The results of the annual survey to identify the nation’s most influential man may be cheered by young adults, but New Seniors question the lack of values, tradition and common sense displayed by upcoming generations.

John Arthur Lithgow joins the New Seniors class of 2010 on October 19.

How shocked were you to see funnyman Stephen Colbert doing a routine at a Congressional committee meeting held recently in the nation’s capital? What kind of thinking went into this wasteful use of time and money? Was Colbert performing for the committee or was his act supposed to bring media attention to the plight of migrant farm workers? Or, is there something deeper behind the Colbert testimony?

Jerry Lee Lewis celebrates his 75th birthday nearly 54 years after “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On” became the first of Killer’s many hits during the early days of Rock and Roll. Pre-boomers were amazed by the intensity and wild antics of this musician/showman who not only burned up the keyboard he often set the pianos on fire at the close of his performances. Now, Jerry Lee is back on tour and knocking them dead, again.

When television first came on the scene there was little problem with violence, profanity and sexual content in the programs beamed into our living rooms, because most of the regulations were holdovers from the days of radio. Today, the rules are loose and the envelope is be pushed in the name of first amendment rights. Cable TV has fewer restrictions, and when it comes to rules for Internet content, well, there are none. Will this situation worse in the years ahead? This depends on were you stand on the issue.

Buzz Aldrin talks about his moon walk, his visions for the future and being a contestant on “Dancing With The Stars.’ In an exclusive interview, Buzz shares his thoughts about how New Seniors can use their experience and values to help other generations realize the American dream.

I fondly remember the Liberty Theatre in Philadelphia as the place where I received an extra-large dose of entertainment.  The Saturday afternoon movie extravaganza lasted for hours and took the youngsters attending on a journey of fun, excitement and shoot ‘em up adventures.  Being there was a social event for kids of all ages.  Through the ‘40s into the early ‘50s the Saturday matinee reigned.  Nothing paralleled this once-weekly tradition.

I grew up listening to lots of radio shows, as did most pre-boomers. Around dinnertime there was “Captain Midnight” and “Jack Armstrong the all-American Boy,” plus many other adventure series throughout the early evening. Around eight o’clock the comedies like “Fibber Magee & Molly” and “The Life of Reilly” came on. At nine were the dramas such as the “Lux Radio Theatre.” And, there were scary programs too; every time I hear a squeaking door today, I think of the opening of “Inter Sanctum.”

Remember running home from school in the late ‘40s, pouring a glass of milk and grabbing a few cookies then plunking yourself down in front of a massive piece of furniture housing a ten TV inch screen?  You’d turn it on and watch the soundless test pattern waiting for the buzz to begin.  This sound signaled that in just a few minutes Howdy Doody and his friends would be pumped into your living room in glorious black and white.  If this experience was part of your distant pass, you’re a pre-boomer.