Oh, the mere mention of Tower Records gives me nostalgia. I remember how it was one of the few places I could drive to in DC without needing a map and directions! Ah, life before smartphones and navigation systems!
Love these conversations so much. It makes me feel like I’m in such good company (turning 58 in a little over a month but in my head I’m barely 30!).
I was in what used to be the Tower Records in my neighborhood last week. It's now a Raymour & Flannigan. I spent about 10 minutes in there. When it was Tower Records, I could spend HOURS in there.
And I actually saved one of those yellow Tower Records bags. I'm not sure why, I think I thought maybe I'd use it as a prop in a film or something. Still have it. Like new!
So much to love about Licata’s response to this questionnaire. He doesn’t sugar coat anything. We all have had such different life experiences and we’re all aging differently -- good to be reminded of that. Thank you David; thank you Oldster.
Thanks, Angel. When I was writing my responses, I wondered if I was being ... not negative, exactly, but maybe not positive enough. Or rather, I wondered if _I_ was not appreciating my aging as much as other folks seem to be. Not that I could I do anything about that.
Another relatable one! I, too, am almost 62 and took my first surfing lesson in the Atlantic a few weeks ago (after morning Pickleball). I felt both humbled and like a Badass. He does a great job articulating how aware of our limits we are at this age, which tempers but does extinguish our gusto.
Thanks. Yeah, the Atlantic is rough! I was in Venice Beach for a few days last year screening for A Life's Work and I set up a surfing lesson, but the day I arrived I tested positive for COVID and so had to cancel it. The symptoms were very mild, so I was able to go to the beach, and Pacific looked so inviting, so friendly. When I went in the Atlantic, a storm was brewing and it was just brutal for a newbie.
Aging sucks, and if you can make the best of it, I applaud you. What strikes me is the lack of doors open to one. There used to be so many doors. And Tower Records.
I am feeling this a great deal these days. Especially when I look at job opportunities. No posting says, "people over 50 need not apply," but it sure seems that way.
Very interesting life..,so far. Hope your feet & hands get better so you can continue on your adventures.
I am 68 & can relate to some of your set backs which comes with aging.
A group of female neighbors (in Cleveland ) started our own Salon to meet 1X month to discuss aging, politics etc. Been great for the soul & heart to get to know neighbors again like good old days i.e. pre- pandemic .
I will try to find your movie about the tango dancers. I admire & envy anyone who can dance. I also get out to salsa with a group of neighbors who meet 1X a week. The infiltration of South Americans, Latinos, & Mexicans to our culture might save this country.
It's not the best resolution, but I think this is the only place that has it online. There are copyright issues with the music that won't let me upload it to YouTube.
Thanks for your kind words, and that's great about your salon.
Very cool. I’m 40 and I know what he means about that being a good age; ambitious and hardworking and published but less obnoxiously cocky as in your early thirties.
We need this now politically and culturally: “Aging has made me more open to possibilities, that’s the flip side of what was taken away. Nothing is black or white, yes or no. I find myself responding to questions with, “Well, yes and no…” A lot.”
GREAT! thank you. I'm the same age (63) and I also lost connection with yoga etc in 2020 so really relate to Mr. Licata. All the sudden turning 60 I feIt age for the first time. I try daily to get back on it but do feel the age in a new way. Also his reference to Neil Young's Sugar Mountain was spot on for me too. That was a haunting and a revelation I could never articulate when I heard it -- but today well that's the part of age having all this perspective that you could have used at a younger age :-)
2020 messed with so many people in so many different ways, didn't it.
Neil Young will always have place in my heart.
I remember hearing the Hall of Fame baseball player, Joe Morgan, on ESPN. He was a commentator at the point, long retired. And he said something like, "By the time you've figure out how to be a good hitter, you're too old to play." So it goes.
Great interview. It is enlightening to hear about others who see life from the backend, rather than the front. Interesting fellow who is honest about things many others don't talk about.
Oh, the mere mention of Tower Records gives me nostalgia. I remember how it was one of the few places I could drive to in DC without needing a map and directions! Ah, life before smartphones and navigation systems!
Love these conversations so much. It makes me feel like I’m in such good company (turning 58 in a little over a month but in my head I’m barely 30!).
Glad to know you're enjoying these, Janet!
I was in what used to be the Tower Records in my neighborhood last week. It's now a Raymour & Flannigan. I spent about 10 minutes in there. When it was Tower Records, I could spend HOURS in there.
You’re making me nostalgic for the one in Noho!
And I actually saved one of those yellow Tower Records bags. I'm not sure why, I think I thought maybe I'd use it as a prop in a film or something. Still have it. Like new!
I think I may have one somewhere too!
Oh, that was a great one! With that little empty lot next store where people sold jewelry and stuff!
Well, at least Astor Place Barbers is still there. I think...
Yes, I loved that little flea market. I think we called it the "Tower Records Flea Market"
I refuse to deny myself desert. 💪🏻
Or potato chips 😉
Or potato chips. Or French Fries!
<3
So much to love about Licata’s response to this questionnaire. He doesn’t sugar coat anything. We all have had such different life experiences and we’re all aging differently -- good to be reminded of that. Thank you David; thank you Oldster.
<3
Thanks, Angel. When I was writing my responses, I wondered if I was being ... not negative, exactly, but maybe not positive enough. Or rather, I wondered if _I_ was not appreciating my aging as much as other folks seem to be. Not that I could I do anything about that.
Another relatable one! I, too, am almost 62 and took my first surfing lesson in the Atlantic a few weeks ago (after morning Pickleball). I felt both humbled and like a Badass. He does a great job articulating how aware of our limits we are at this age, which tempers but does extinguish our gusto.
Thanks. Yeah, the Atlantic is rough! I was in Venice Beach for a few days last year screening for A Life's Work and I set up a surfing lesson, but the day I arrived I tested positive for COVID and so had to cancel it. The symptoms were very mild, so I was able to go to the beach, and Pacific looked so inviting, so friendly. When I went in the Atlantic, a storm was brewing and it was just brutal for a newbie.
👌👌
I look forward to these interviews and use the responses as a yardstick to my own aging process. This was a great one.
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed my answers.
Aging sucks, and if you can make the best of it, I applaud you. What strikes me is the lack of doors open to one. There used to be so many doors. And Tower Records.
I am feeling this a great deal these days. Especially when I look at job opportunities. No posting says, "people over 50 need not apply," but it sure seems that way.
This made me feel so much better. Thank you. 💜
Awesome! Your comment made my day.
Very interesting life..,so far. Hope your feet & hands get better so you can continue on your adventures.
I am 68 & can relate to some of your set backs which comes with aging.
A group of female neighbors (in Cleveland ) started our own Salon to meet 1X month to discuss aging, politics etc. Been great for the soul & heart to get to know neighbors again like good old days i.e. pre- pandemic .
I will try to find your movie about the tango dancers. I admire & envy anyone who can dance. I also get out to salsa with a group of neighbors who meet 1X a week. The infiltration of South Americans, Latinos, & Mexicans to our culture might save this country.
Tango Octogenario can be found here:
https://digitalcollections.library.unsw.edu.au/nodes/view/2777
It's not the best resolution, but I think this is the only place that has it online. There are copyright issues with the music that won't let me upload it to YouTube.
Thanks for your kind words, and that's great about your salon.
All the best,
David
Very cool. I’m 40 and I know what he means about that being a good age; ambitious and hardworking and published but less obnoxiously cocky as in your early thirties.
We need this now politically and culturally: “Aging has made me more open to possibilities, that’s the flip side of what was taken away. Nothing is black or white, yes or no. I find myself responding to questions with, “Well, yes and no…” A lot.”
👌👌👌
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Enjoy your forties as much as possible. And your other forthcoming decades as well!
Oh yes, time and energy is no longer infinite.
GREAT! thank you. I'm the same age (63) and I also lost connection with yoga etc in 2020 so really relate to Mr. Licata. All the sudden turning 60 I feIt age for the first time. I try daily to get back on it but do feel the age in a new way. Also his reference to Neil Young's Sugar Mountain was spot on for me too. That was a haunting and a revelation I could never articulate when I heard it -- but today well that's the part of age having all this perspective that you could have used at a younger age :-)
2020 messed with so many people in so many different ways, didn't it.
Neil Young will always have place in my heart.
I remember hearing the Hall of Fame baseball player, Joe Morgan, on ESPN. He was a commentator at the point, long retired. And he said something like, "By the time you've figure out how to be a good hitter, you're too old to play." So it goes.
Great interview. It is enlightening to hear about others who see life from the backend, rather than the front. Interesting fellow who is honest about things many others don't talk about.
Thoughtful and insightful.