The Search Engine That Could

 

Back in the day, before the Internet, if you wanted an answer to a question, you either asked your parents, which in my case, crickets chirped, or, you looked it up in your Encyclopedia Britannica. Every home had a set. I'm sure it was mandatory. I seem to recall we could only afford up to the N's. Anything after that, I'm clueless regarding M to Z. But now we have a search engine(s) I used Google this week for serious questions, such as...

What happened to Will Smith? 

Remember him, the fresh prince of Bel-Air and a man on top of the world, until he slapped Chris Rock for dissing his wife about her alopecia? He has been banned for ten years from attending any Oscar award ceremony and future movie roles dried up quicker than a hair dryer on a bald head. He's still around but is no longer on top of the world.

Who's the other guy from, 'Flight of the Conchords?'

I just saw Jemaine Clement the other day, still working in the biz. I loved that show, The Conchords. It was a low, low budget series about a duo from New Zealand who move to New York to become famous singers. Their talent agent works in the NZ consulate but created the agency as a side hustle, where he's terrible at both careers. The duo usually meet him in his closet sized office to discuss possible gigs. And the other half... Bret McKenzie. Phew, now I can sleep. Sugar lumps 

Which neighbor did the Osbourne's throw a ham at? 

I've only watched a few episodes of the Osbourne's reality tv show, but I had a friend who kept me up to date regarding their shenanigans. They had a neighbor they absolutely hated. We all have had the neighbor who plays his music at jet decibel level and lowers the property value of your home just by being them. For the Osbourne's this was, Owen Paul, a Scottish one hit wonder musician. Although, you gotta wonder what living next to the Osbourne's was like. SHARON!!

Celsius to Fahrenheit. 

How can you tell an American from the rest of the world? Ask a boomer how tall he is. I still must Google for the difference between centimeters, kilometers and grams to ounces, feet and miles because I'm old school. I really do try, though. In this specific query I wanted to know what -40c was to -40F! Guess what!? They're the same at that point! I wanted to know because sometimes I watch a YouTube channel where a Norwegian spends his winters in- wait for it... the Arctic circle. He drives his van around the Arctic searching for the quietist spot and gets so much joy looking at snow. I confess, I too love the cold, the snow, the crunch underneath my boots, all of it. He's an odd one, but so am I. 

Who is Belle Gibson?

Ooh, she's a naughty girl. There's a new six part movie on Netflix which sort of explains her story. They make the disclaimer that some of what we see is real, some made up and some a downright lie. The true part is what Gibson did, which was start a health food app for people with health issues. She claimed to have had brain cancer during the entire time she managed the app. She didn't. She's just one big liar. The series was pretty good, though.

Who is Sacheen Littlefeather?

After writing a post about the movie, 'The Searchers,' I wanted to know who John Wayne wanted to attack at the Oscar Awards. Sacheen Littlefeather was there at the behest of Marlon Brando, where she made a speech about Native Americans in film being marginalized. I learned Sacheen wasn't Sacheen and wasn't even Native American. Her own family busted her out on that lie. She was born, Maria Louise Cruz in Salinas, California. She had a rough life. So, she reinvented it. 

Nancy Guthrie.

Man, this is heartbreaking. I keep googling for information which at this time there is nothing. The authorities know nothing or they aren't sharing but she was definitely abducted and injured. It's very clear Savannah loves her mama dearly so it's  difficult to watch the family in such pain. I'm guessing it's an inside job, but we'll see. 

What are the lyrics to Springsteen's latest song? 😬 

So, I was never a fan of the Boss and after hearing the latest homage, still not a fan. I get it. He's a musician who has to go to what he does to express his anger over what is happening in Minneapolis. I just find it Music 101. It's so basic, and to me, almost cringe. We have all seen movies where we are expected to react bigly. The moment is meant to play on our emotions. Think boy with loyal dog who shouts at dog to get lost, go home, as the music reaches a crescendo and fills our body's nervous system and our tear ducts. It's so in your face it's almost embarrassing. I'm sure there will be other songs about our current situation, maybe one I can connect to, but, like all art, it's subjective. 

What is this glass dish with slots in it?

Okay, not my question and laws this question makes me officially old. I occasionally watch another YouTube channel where people find things they have no idea what they are looking at. It's pretty interesting to see what some of these inventions were created to do. Some objects are outdated- well, a lot of these items are no longer used, but when people ask what a can opener is, or what a glass dish with slots could be...

I feel older than dirt. I guess I should be glad people have no clue what an ashtray is. Someday some kid will find an air pod he found buried in a backyard and wonder what it could be. 

I used to love going through the giant Britannica, but, Encyclopedia Google is great, too.