Storytime with GamerDude

This week, GamerDude first welcomes new listeners who may be joining the podcast as a result of the switch to RSS.com. Then, GamerDude talks about the permanent changes in his life as a result of Covid, and the pandemic. He talks about how everything from going to the store, to shopping habits, to travel are different. He explains how he has developed a dislike for crowds, how he and Mrs. GamerDude are not comfortable eating out or traveling, and how they tend to stockpile more than they used to. He also talks about how he craves quiet now, more than before, and also how he is less concerned with time. He recognizes that time is precious, but cares less about the specific time of day it is than he ever used to.

This week, GamerDude talks about sensory memories: those memories that are triggered by a certain scent, or sound, or the way something feels. He talks about how some sensory memories have disappeared because the source of the memory no longer exists, like his grandfather's shed. He also talks about how technology has caused some memories to disappear, like the white static on a VHS cassette, or the tactile feel of typing on an actual typewriter. He also talks about exploring the change slots on a bank of payphones, and that little thrill you'd get when you actually found a coin or two.

GamerDude talks about Christmas traditions this week. Some are particular to him, like his dad's giant star or his mom's ceramic N O E L letters. Others, like the Elf on The Shelf are more well know. GamerDude talks about where the Elf on the Shelf came from and why he's not a huge fan. He also talks about the green pickle ornament, which started in the late 1880s and actually has an origin story very similar to the Elf. He also talks about the Feast of the Seven Fishes and where that came from.

GamerDude talks about some of the unwritten rules that he believes apply (or at least should apply) in the world today. These go beyond the manners he talked about in Season 1 (things like saying "please," and "thank you.") These are more common sense rules of behavior that can apply in almost any setting.

The unwritten rules run the gamut from the courteous: Don't listen to your music, or make a call without a headset or earbuds, to the profound: Life is not fair, and you can do all the right things and still not win. And the rules apply to family settings, and friend settings, and work settings. Give a listen, see what you think, and feel free to send your own suggestions along too!