What’s an Iron Whirlygig?
I thought you might ask! A few decades ago, PBS sponsored a series of life-lesson films for children called Inside/Out. The endings were left open-ended to provoke discussion and nothing was particularly sugar-coated. One particular show (Buy and Buy), two brothers are obessed with being “the first on their block” to own a new toy (The Iron Whirlygig) being promoted on TV by their favorite host. When they are faced with having to use their own money, they quickly learn the price of wanting something.
This is a perfect metaphore for life. We all secretly want to keep up with the Jones’s, being first feels invigorating, and when we have the capability to do something (i.e.: purchasing power) the natural inclination is to pull the trigger.
I want to encourage you differently. There is a better way. Whether it’s life, work, family, liesure, or death… I’ll talk about it here. Don’t be surprised to find a post one day on a family issue we all share, followed next by a rant about Team Foundation Server.
Thanks,
A Seattle Tech Geek painting his own Velvet Elvis.
