February 2024 Reads and Arcades

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Pinball, Books, and Leap Year Wonders

I recently came across a machine that instantly transported me back to my childhood—a time when arcades were filled with air hockey tables, bubble hockey, pinball machines, pool tables, bumper pool, and classic video games like Space Invaders. All of these mechanical marvels could be played for just a quarter, and for many of us, they were a part of everyday life.

My town’s arcade was conveniently located near my school, and during lunch breaks, I’d often head there to play. Pinball was my game of choice, as I loved the challenge of controlling the ball, hitting the bumpers, ringing the bells, and stacking up points and free games. Sometimes I’d be alone, and other times, I’d compete against whoever else was there. I learned quickly how to avoid the dreaded tilt sensor, but there were moments when my enthusiasm got the better of me, and I’d accidentally nudge the machine too much—leading to a penalty and the loss of my game.

Speaking of pinball, my husband and I have a tradition of revisiting Jaws a few times a year. So, when Stern Pinball, Inc. announced their new Jaws pinball machine in January 2024, it instantly caught my attention. I love the sculptured shark and the vibrant lighting effects, but what really intrigued me was the inclusion of a bucket of chum! It also features John Williams’ iconic theme music and speech by Richard Dreyfuss, making it a true fan’s dream.

While pinball remains close to my heart, the International Flipper Pinball Association recently shared that pinball competitions are still thriving in America. But I have to admit, the newer machines seem designed for a different breed of player—those who may have a different level of skill or patience than I do. But that's part of what makes pinball so timeless: it can adapt while still holding onto its nostalgic charm.

February has been an interesting month for many reasons. For starters, today marks the leap year! According to NASA, the Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, and 48 minutes to orbit the Sun. To account for that extra time, we add an extra day to the calendar every four years, which is why we have February 29th this year. A small detail, but it always feels a bit magical.

On a more local note, the weather around here has been nothing short of unpredictable. We had one day where temperatures soared to a balmy 72 degrees, which is completely out of character for our area. The very next day, the temperature dropped to a chilling 24 degrees, with wind chills pushing it down to a brisk 14 degrees. It's a reminder that, no matter how much we try to predict it, nature still has the upper hand!

On the reading front, February has been fantastic. I’ve been on a book binge, quickly getting ahead of my reading goals for the year. As of now, I’m 9 books ahead of schedule, which feels pretty great. This month, I tackled a diverse range of genres:

• Witchland Graphic Novel by Tim Mulligan
• A Rainforest Adventure Jasper Amazon Parrott by Sharon C. Williams
• Hinterland by L.M. Brown
• Soul in the Storm by Nancy Wagaman
• The Goodbye Family and the Great Mountain by Lorin Morgan-Richards
• The Child Wore Pearls by Morgan Matthews
• Russell Brooks Thrillers
• The Odyssey by Homer
• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
• The Evolution of Human Motivations: An AI-Illustrated Odyssey by John V. Wylie, MD
• Among the Boat People: A Memoir of Vietnam by Nhi Manh Chung
• A Sweet Mother’s Warrior Prayers by Jenn J. Simmons and Sandy Bohac

A personal highlight of the month was completing an interview with John V. Wylie about his newest book, The Evolution of Human Motivations: An AI-Illustrated Odyssey. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding the complexities of human emotions, particularly melancholy. Wylie emphasizes the power of empathy, especially in the context of mental health, and he makes a compelling case for taking time to disengage from our busy lives to reflect on our actions. This pause for reflection helps us identify what energizes us versus what drains us, guiding us toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.

As for book purchases this month, I picked up an Amish romance for my mom and a couple of vintage novels to add to my ever-growing collection. One of the best moments, though, was having a conversation with a bookstore clerk—who was probably less than half my age—about what we were reading. It was a reminder that books truly are timeless, and they connect people across generations.

February might be short, but it’s been packed with memories, books, and a touch of nostalgia. Looking forward to what March has in store!

This blog's top 10 countries viewership was from The United States, Singapore, Belgium, Germany, France, Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Cambodia. I was pleased to learn I also had some new views from Seychelles, the smallest African country, that made the top 20 viewership.

Thank you for visiting. I hope you found some books you love.