As a daily reader and frequent contributor to Tolley’s Topics I believe that I have a lot in common with the visitors here. And since I’m a certified old fart, I’m entitled to express my opinion and offer unsolicited advice whenever the spirit moves me.

Ever since I was a little kid I have enjoyed listening to the radio. Listening to the radio lets me do other things while I listen, where watching TV demands too much of my attention. That’s one of the reasons that I got rid of my TV more than 15 years ago, but that’s a topic for another time. As a kid I listened mostly to adventure and mystery programs, which were common during the 1950s. As I grew older I preferred to listen to music.

A few years ago I discovered a public radio station in Killeen TX, that live streams music over the Internet 24 hours a day, which I really enjoy and I want to share it with you. The station is KNCT-FM. It is operated by Central Texas College and is supported by listener donations. You can listen by going to their website, KNCT.ORG, or downloading and installing their app. They broadcast a variety of music, such as big band from the 1930s & 40s, rock and roll from the1950s & 60s, some gospel music on Sunday mornings, what is usually called easy listening music.

One of the features of streaming radio that I really like is that the music can play through my hearing aids. I listen all day long. The only thing I dislike about their programming is their news updates. They are provided by AP, which is a typical manure spreading media source, which I tune out when it comes on at the top of the hour. Of course their weather forecasts have little value for folks outside the central Texas are, but they have an enthusiastic, long-time meteorologist who is interesting. 

Along with a number of other interesting short segments they broadcast every day is one called The Daily Dose by Mitch Anthony, a prominent figure in the financial services industry, the theme of which is the importance of a positive attitude. Every day he reminds us that “attitude is everything”. Today I encountered persuasive proof of those words.

Although I am well past my expiration date, I’m in good health and I try not to worry about the frequent reminders that I’m getting older, such as minor aches and pains. A few weeks ago I noticed a minor change in the vision in my right eye. It didn’t seem like it required immediate attention, so I figured I’d wait and see what happens. I wasn’t consciously concerned, but I believe my subconscious was. 

This may seem unrelated, but bear with me. In January I started climbing stairs as a major part of my daily exercise program. Throughout the month I built up to 60 flights a day. Six sets of ten flights about an hour apart. It is not something that I look forward to, but I usually force myself to spend the time and effort unless I’m otherwise occupied. Lately I have had a real problem getting motivated to do this. But yesterday, after deciding to have my eyes checked, I learned that I have a condition called secondary cataracts, which is easily corrected with a simple laser procedure. Today climbing the stairs was much easier than it has been for a while. Without realizing it, I had a better outlook or attitude, and that made everything better. Attitude may not be everything, but it’s close.

Check out KNCT. Ask one of your grandkids to download and install the app on your phone and set it up to stream to your hearing aids. It’s great!