Am I Going backwards ?

[PasadenaMike]

Haha that’s awesome thanks for sharing

 

[Jaabaa]

I miss climbing in and sitting on the radiator, manifold or valve cover and working on a carburetor.

Hell, I like mechanical fuel injected diesel just because carburetors suck, pun intended.

Haha yep.
Remember removing those wing nuts on the air filter...lol they got hot.

 

[PasadenaMike]

oooooh he!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no

MSN

 

[Holden Over]

Does anyone else feel like they're going backwards as they get older?
I'm getting sick and tired of all the "smart" technology out there—smartphones, AI, smart this, smart that. Lately, I've found myself actively reverting to older, simpler ways of doing things. I'm literally back to writing checks, and I've never been happier.
The other day, I was driving my work van—a basic model with old-school yellow lights, not LEDs, and no infotainment system—and I realized how much I enjoy the simplicity. There's no constant buzzing, no notifications, and no distractions.
It's not just the digital noise; it's the feeling of being watched all the time. All the company work vehicles have cameras on the road and on the driver, and my job is to literally monitor that fleet to make sure everyone is safe. Thank goodness my personal van doesn't have one. But then you go into the workplace, and there are more cameras. Even at home, we have security cameras on every angle. It feels like there's no privacy left anywhere.
This feeling of a constant spotlight reminds me a lot of why I love my airguns. As many of you have read, my TalonP is my only airgun now because of its retro vibes. That gun is the perfect example of pure, mechanical satisfaction. No complicated electronics, no digital readouts, just the satisfying thwump of the hammer and the solid feel of a well-made machine. It’s a complete escape from the digital noise.
To take this a step further, I've started the process of deleting my banking info from a lot of places online. It's a pain, but the idea of having my financial data scattered across a hundred different websites feels like a huge risk and a burden I don't want anymore. I'd rather just use a card when I need to, and know my information isn't floating around out there.
Honestly, I think a lot of this comes from my childhood. I barely played video games growing up; I was out in the alleys with my slingshot, shooting pigeons and making blowguns. I didn't have time for a screen. So this pull toward tangible, mechanical things isn't me losing my mind—it's me staying true to the kind of satisfaction I've always known.
I know it sounds a bit strange, but I feel like all this modern convenience has created a new kind of stress. It feels like a constant demand on my attention. Stepping away from it all feels less like going backwards and more like taking a deep breath.
Is this normal? Does anyone else catch themselves doing this? I'm curious to hear if I'm the only one feeling this way.
P.S. I may seem like a hypocrite for saying all this. I used an AI like ChatGPT to help me write this post. My own writing isn't perfect, and this tool helps me put my thoughts on "paper." It's something I'm also required to use daily for my job, and honestly, that's a huge part of why I crave simplicity in my personal life. It's a constant reminder of the digital noise I'm trying to escape.

1991 Ford F150, 4 x 4, bench seat, wing windows, cigarette lighter, walnut and steel Winchester 22 all pre-1963, HW 30, HW 35, HW 50. 177 & . 22. I’m 76 years old and go back a long way With Ir guns had my fill of “big guns” in Vietnam or I fired twin foot cow machine guns also bow trail boat. Every generation thinks and honestly believes it’s the way they used to do. It are better than the ways of spinning down. And some cases that is true and another case it isn’t. it’s difficult if not impossible to interface with the world you live in today without having access to and utilizing the technology available. Which doesn’t mean you have to be sucked into it and have your face pleasure to a screen rather than trying to be in the moment someplace.

Very glad you started this discussion as it will cause many people to think about who they are where they are where they came from what they lost along the way. As much as I utilize older technologies because those AIRGUNS I mentioned are quantum leaves from some of the AIRGUNS I shot in the 50s and 60s, I always try to remember that living in the past can give you regrets, living in the future, can give you fears, being in the present and give you control or at least awareness. In the end, I wish all of you a safe journey enjoy whatever level of technology you want. Don’t be consumed by any of it. Take time to thank your friends for being there and hug your loved ones for loving you.

 

[AM888]

We need our own forum section “simple airgunners”

You got me thinking back to growing up on the farm. The trusty Red Rider and a pocket full of BB's. I got in some serious trigger time on the mice,sparrows,and carpenter bees! Nothing was safe if I could sneak up on it.
No internet, cell phones, just simple.

 

[Gerry52]

You're really going forward but, unwittingly, have been watching your rear facing camera by mistake!

 

[PasadenaMike]

I forgot to mention too — I’m no longer filming scope cam footage and not using any electronics in my setup. No rangefinders, no electronic scopes, and I’ve also stopped using the ShotKam for shotgun footage. I’ve decided to get back to basics and focus on the fundamentals. No gadgets — just instinct, skill, and experience. Pictures are still okay, but I’m keeping things simple and as traditional as possible.

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

Mike: now you're testing your own skill rather than just adjusting the toys to do the work for you. Orv.

 

[FL22]

Mike: now you're testing your own skill rather than just adjusting the toys to do the work for you. Orv.

Mike is no longer a member of the HAM Community, but perhaps one day he will find his way back .

 

[Hoppalong Doc]

Mike is no longer a member of the HAM Community, but perhaps one day he will find his way back .

I hadn't realized how old this thread was and responded thinking that perhaps he'd come back. Thanks for setting me straight. Mike was a vital part of this community and I'm sorry to see him gone. His situation is a reminder for us to all find balance in our lives and be carefull not to obcess about our interests, including airgunning. Orv.

 

[Scriv]

I get it. My truck has cranks to roll up the windows, vinyl floors, and seats. I shave with a safety razor, you can Google that if you need to, having graduated from a straight razor. My preferred archery equipment is a long bow. I have been at the Pinnacle of technology in various forms, but it leaves me cold, and disconnected. There is something to be said for eschewing all of this and keeping it simple. AI is out of control, and those in pursuit are not looking ahead of what they develop. There have been studies on how the brain atrophies in the areas used for navigating because so many have turned to Google maps. If one cares at all about their welfare, and of those they love, they would do well to learn and practice once common skills if, for no other reason, to preserve their own health.

 

[Scriv]

Mike is no longer a member of the HAM Community, but perhaps one day he will find his way back .

I guess I didn't realize that, well that's too bad. Hopefully, some food for thought will come out if these posts anyway.

 

[Zelos1]

Does anyone else feel like they're going backwards as they get older?
I'm getting sick and tired of all the "smart" technology out there—smartphones, AI, smart this, smart that. Lately, I've found myself actively reverting to older, simpler ways of doing things. I'm literally back to writing checks, and I've never been happier.
The other day, I was driving my work van—a basic model with old-school yellow lights, not LEDs, and no infotainment system—and I realized how much I enjoy the simplicity. There's no constant buzzing, no notifications, and no distractions.
It's not just the digital noise; it's the feeling of being watched all the time. All the company work vehicles have cameras on the road and on the driver, and my job is to literally monitor that fleet to make sure everyone is safe. Thank goodness my personal van doesn't have one. But then you go into the workplace, and there are more cameras. Even at home, we have security cameras on every angle. It feels like there's no privacy left anywhere.
This feeling of a constant spotlight reminds me a lot of why I love my airguns. As many of you have read, my TalonP is my only airgun now because of its retro vibes. That gun is the perfect example of pure, mechanical satisfaction. No complicated electronics, no digital readouts, just the satisfying thwump of the hammer and the solid feel of a well-made machine. It’s a complete escape from the digital noise.
To take this a step further, I've started the process of deleting my banking info from a lot of places online. It's a pain, but the idea of having my financial data scattered across a hundred different websites feels like a huge risk and a burden I don't want anymore. I'd rather just use a card when I need to, and know my information isn't floating around out there.
Honestly, I think a lot of this comes from my childhood. I barely played video games growing up; I was out in the alleys with my slingshot, shooting pigeons and making blowguns. I didn't have time for a screen. So this pull toward tangible, mechanical things isn't me losing my mind—it's me staying true to the kind of satisfaction I've always known.
I know it sounds a bit strange, but I feel like all this modern convenience has created a new kind of stress. It feels like a constant demand on my attention. Stepping away from it all feels less like going backwards and more like taking a deep breath.
Is this normal? Does anyone else catch themselves doing this? I'm curious to hear if I'm the only one feeling this way.
P.S. I may seem like a hypocrite for saying all this. I used an AI like ChatGPT to help me write this post. My own writing isn't perfect, and this tool helps me put my thoughts on "paper." It's something I'm also required to use daily for my job, and honestly, that's a huge part of why I crave simplicity in my personal life. It's a constant reminder of the digital noise I'm trying to escape.

Hello brother from another mother!
I like my 89 Chevy truck and my V10 excursion.
I think that being more connected to what you are doing and less connected to connectivity is both refreshing and calming.
More often than not i find that technology is just a different kind of pain in the butt than just doing it the “old slow way”.
Carry on!!

 

[Madhatter]

I get it. My truck has cranks to roll up the windows, vinyl floors, and seats. I shave with a safety razor, you can Google that if you need to, having graduated from a straight razor. My preferred archery equipment is a long bow. I have been at the Pinnacle of technology in various forms, but it leaves me cold, and disconnected. There is something to be said for eschewing all of this and keeping it simple. AI is out of control, and those in pursuit are not looking ahead of what they develop. There have been studies on how the brain atrophies in the areas used for navigating because so many have turned to Google maps. If one cares at all about their welfare, and of those they love, they would do well to learn and practice once common skills if, for no other reason, to preserve their own health.

Use it or loose it. At least that's what I tell the wife.

 

[Grunt64]

Does anyone else feel like they're going backwards as they get older?
I'm getting sick and tired of all the "smart" technology out there—smartphones, AI, smart this, smart that. Lately, I've found myself actively reverting to older, simpler ways of doing things. I'm literally back to writing checks, and I've never been happier.
The other day, I was driving my work van—a basic model with old-school yellow lights, not LEDs, and no infotainment system—and I realized how much I enjoy the simplicity. There's no constant buzzing, no notifications, and no distractions.
It's not just the digital noise; it's the feeling of being watched all the time. All the company work vehicles have cameras on the road and on the driver, and my job is to literally monitor that fleet to make sure everyone is safe. Thank goodness my personal van doesn't have one. But then you go into the workplace, and there are more cameras. Even at home, we have security cameras on every angle. It feels like there's no privacy left anywhere.
This feeling of a constant spotlight reminds me a lot of why I love my airguns. As many of you have read, my TalonP is my only airgun now because of its retro vibes. That gun is the perfect example of pure, mechanical satisfaction. No complicated electronics, no digital readouts, just the satisfying thwump of the hammer and the solid feel of a well-made machine. It’s a complete escape from the digital noise.
To take this a step further, I've started the process of deleting my banking info from a lot of places online. It's a pain, but the idea of having my financial data scattered across a hundred different websites feels like a huge risk and a burden I don't want anymore. I'd rather just use a card when I need to, and know my information isn't floating around out there.
Honestly, I think a lot of this comes from my childhood. I barely played video games growing up; I was out in the alleys with my slingshot, shooting pigeons and making blowguns. I didn't have time for a screen. So this pull toward tangible, mechanical things isn't me losing my mind—it's me staying true to the kind of satisfaction I've always known.
I know it sounds a bit strange, but I feel like all this modern convenience has created a new kind of stress. It feels like a constant demand on my attention. Stepping away from it all feels less like going backwards and more like taking a deep breath.
Is this normal? Does anyone else catch themselves doing this? I'm curious to hear if I'm the only one feeling this way.
P.S. I may seem like a hypocrite for saying all this. I used an AI like ChatGPT to help me write this post. My own writing isn't perfect, and this tool helps me put my thoughts on "paper." It's something I'm also required to use daily for my job, and honestly, that's a huge part of why I crave simplicity in my personal life. It's a constant reminder of the digital noise I'm trying to escape.

“I go back a little farther — the 60s, lol. Back when ‘smart’ technology meant a neighbor who knew how to fix a lawnmower. Kids were outside from sunrise to dark, and the only screen we saw was the one on the door slamming behind us. Stuff back then was built to last too — not this ‘use it for two years and toss it’ nonsense.

Maybe that’s why I still like keeping things simple with my hobbies. PCPs, compressors, tools that don’t need Wi‑Fi or a firmware update just to work. Has technology made the world better? Sure, in some ways. But it’s also made us lazy enough that people need apps to remind them to stand up.

Growing up when I did probably saved me. I still like things that work because they’re built right — not because they ‘connect to the cloud.’”