THE JOY OF OLD RECORDS/AUDIO TAPES ~ MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

In this 'miraculous' millenium with the multi-million dollar industry of high-end high-tech computerized electronic equipment, record players/turntables [and tape players/VCRs, for that matter] have been banished to join the retired obsolete ranks that befell the fate of phonographs and 8 track tape players. Hence, with the exception of collectors, perhaps, few people find use for these 'dinosaurs,' and records are not often considered a preferred source of audio entertainment. But not to despair -- not all people are adept with the use of newer, more complicated electronic 'toys' and techniphobia has caused them to remain faithful to the user-friendly vinyl discs for their listening pleasure. Such is the case in nursing homes, retirement centers and assisted living facilities primarily comprised of a senior population, where residents find the platters to be functionally invaluable -- enjoying the inspirational religious tunes via overhead piped-in PA [public announcement] systems without the interruption of intrusive radio and television commercial sponsors. The records are virtually maintenance free; the basic equipment is relatively stress-free and absolutely painless! Records with religious songs and liturgical hymns can also be useful for supplementing those parts of the Holy Mass/Christmas Mass where songs of worship are customarily sung, helping to create the true spirit of Christmas for lonely souls confined indoors or without family members to visit for the holidays. One of the last Christmas gifts we purchased for Mom before her recent passing was a complete set of hard-to-find brand new tapes of the entire Holy Bible. She was not with us for very much longer afterward, so the window of opportunity for her to enjoy her gift also passed. This Christmas we donated the tapes to a local nursing home, where the senior residents found the donation to be priceless! We felt blessed to have contributed to their Christmas celebration in some small way. The same applies for any of the hard-to-find golden oldies reflective of the younger years, so don't be too quick to toss away those precious vintage records/tapes without first considering the possibility of salvaging them for another life and the enjoyment of many lives!