Mary Beth Crain

3 weeks ago | shorelinemedia.net | Mary Beth Crain

I can’t believe it’s already April. The worst of Old Man Winter’s tantrums are over–well, except for probably one or two feeble attempts to dump a little more snow–and the balmy caresses of spring will soon liberate our hibernating souls. Thinking about April, I’m reminded that April 14 will be the 160th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s death. I’ve always been fascinated by Lincoln, and I actually have in my possession an unusual book that I got at an antique store many years ago.

4 weeks ago | shorelinemedia.net | Mary Beth Crain

People often ask me how I get the ideas for my columns. Well, first of all, there’s no set formula. An idea can pop up anywhere, any time. TV, of course, is a rich source. Many of my columns come from the news, or documentaries, or weird shows. The internet is also invaluable for stranger than fiction stories and other details of human quirkery. Sometimes ideas come from other people’s conversations, or people I meet unexpectedly who have fascinating personal stories.

1 month ago | shorelinemedia.net | Mary Beth Crain

Last week, I devoted this column to the wonders of Youtube. This week, I’m continuing my exploration of that phenomenon with a look at one of its most remarkable resurrections: the old What’s My Line panel show. If you remember the 1950’s and ‘60’s, you remember What’s My Line. It debuted in 1950, and ran for an amazing 17 years, during which time it was arguably the most popular show on TV. I used to love What’s My Line when I was a kid. So, when I discovered it on Youtube, I was thrilled.

1 month ago | shorelinemedia.net | Mary Beth Crain

In the last several months, I’ve become a dedicated Youtuber. I’m way behind the times, of course. But then, when it comes to tech, I’m still back there with Philo Vance and the Wright Brothers. Imagine inventing the TV and the airplane. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how Joseph Campbell created a soup that I can still enjoy 130 years later. Anyway, I’ve accessed Youtube via my mobile for a few years.

1 month ago | shorelinemedia.net | Mary Beth Crain

OK, so here’s your dictionary thrill for today: ailurophile. Some of you may be familiar with the word. If you’re not, it’s a fancy term for cat lover. As you know by now, I am a hopeless ailurophile. I dote on my two cats. I go the extra mile to make sure they’re happy. This may sound fairly normal to the majority of humans with tender hearts. In reality, however, it’s been a slow descent into self annihilation. Because once you start spoiling your cats, they’ll play you like a ukelele.