Digest

Greg Cody, a self-proclaimed "old-timer," expresses his nostalgia for the past in this podcast episode. He criticizes modern trends and laments the loss of traditional practices, arguing that things were better "back in his day." Cody begins by expressing his disdain for packing cubes, arguing that packing a suitcase doesn't require science or a system. He prefers the simplicity of traditional toiletry bags and believes in underpacking, even if it means wearing the same underwear multiple times. He also laments the lack of traditional suitcases in luggage stores, longing for the days of leather valises and steamer trunks. He then reminisces about the days when hotel housekeeping was a standard service, with rooms meticulously cleaned and amenities readily available. He contrasts this with the current trend of housekeeping being mostly by request, leaving rooms unattended for extended periods. He argues that hotels should prioritize cleanliness, especially considering the high cost of accommodation. Cody criticizes the practice of pre-boarding, arguing that it's often abused by able-bodied travelers who use it as a way to skip the line. He believes that airlines should prioritize first-class passengers and then allow everyone else to board in a more orderly fashion. He finds the pre-boarding announcements to be condescending and believes they create an unnecessary hierarchy among passengers. He laments the decline of the briefcase, once a symbol of professionalism and status. He contrasts the briefcase with the ubiquitous backpack, which he considers to be a sign of casualness and a downgrade in luggage hierarchy. He believes that the briefcase is a timeless classic that should be preserved, and he enjoys the simple act of opening and closing its latches. Cody reminisces about the days of clotheslines, praising their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. He contrasts this with the modern reliance on electric dryers, which he criticizes for their noise, energy consumption, and potential damage to clothing. He encourages listeners to consider using clotheslines as a more sustainable and eco-conscious alternative. He shares his negative experience with water beds, which he found to be uncomfortable and impractical. He remembers the water bed's popularity in the 1970s, particularly among hippies and free-spirited individuals, and attributes its decline to its impracticality and the rise of more comfortable alternatives. He prefers the firmness and stability of a traditional bed. Cody argues that adultery was easier in the pre-technology era, as there were fewer ways to be caught or exposed. He contrasts this with the modern world, where smartphones and social media make it nearly impossible to maintain secrecy. He believes that technology has made infidelity more difficult and risky, as every action can be tracked and recorded. Finally, Cody expresses his nostalgia for the old Vegas, which he describes as a more exotic and mysterious destination. He misses the days of the Rat Pack, the all-you-can-eat buffets, and the classic slot machines. He believes that the modern Vegas has lost its charm and authenticity, and he longs for the days of privacy and anonymity.

Outlines

00:00:16

The Good Old Days: A Nostalgic Look Back

Greg Cody expresses his nostalgia for the past, criticizing modern trends and lamenting the loss of traditional practices, arguing that things were better "back in his day." He discusses his dislike for packing cubes, his preference for traditional toiletry bags, and his longing for the days of leather valises and steamer trunks.

00:02:00

Hotel Housekeeping: A Lost Art?

Cody reminisces about the days when hotel housekeeping was a standard service, with rooms meticulously cleaned and amenities readily available. He contrasts this with the current trend of housekeeping being mostly by request, leaving rooms unattended for extended periods. He argues that hotels should prioritize cleanliness, especially considering the high cost of accommodation.

00:03:31

Pre-Boarding: A Hierarchy of Passengers

Cody criticizes the practice of pre-boarding, arguing that it's often abused by able-bodied travelers who use it as a way to skip the line. He believes that airlines should prioritize first-class passengers and then allow everyone else to board in a more orderly fashion. He finds the pre-boarding announcements to be condescending and believes they create an unnecessary hierarchy among passengers.

00:05:04

The Decline of the Briefcase

Cody laments the decline of the briefcase, once a symbol of professionalism and status. He contrasts the briefcase with the ubiquitous backpack, which he considers to be a sign of casualness and a downgrade in luggage hierarchy. He believes that the briefcase is a timeless classic that should be preserved, and he enjoys the simple act of opening and closing its latches.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are Greg Cody's thoughts on packing cubes?

  Greg Cody strongly dislikes packing cubes, believing they are unnecessary and complicate the packing process. He prefers the simplicity of traditional toiletry bags and underpacking.

• How does Greg Cody feel about the current state of hotel housekeeping?

  Greg Cody misses the days when hotel housekeeping was a standard service, providing a clean and welcoming environment. He believes that hotels should prioritize cleanliness, especially considering the high cost of accommodation.

• What are Greg Cody's criticisms of pre-boarding?

  Greg Cody believes that pre-boarding is often abused by able-bodied travelers who use it to skip the line. He thinks airlines should prioritize first-class passengers and then allow everyone else to board in a more orderly fashion.

• Why does Greg Cody prefer clotheslines over electric dryers?

  Greg Cody praises clotheslines for their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. He criticizes electric dryers for their noise, energy consumption, and potential damage to clothing.

• What is Greg Cody's opinion on water beds?

  Greg Cody dislikes water beds, finding them uncomfortable and impractical. He prefers the firmness and stability of a traditional bed.

• How has technology impacted adultery, according to Greg Cody?

  Greg Cody believes that technology has made adultery more difficult and risky, as smartphones and social media make it nearly impossible to maintain secrecy.

• What aspects of the old Vegas does Greg Cody miss?

  Greg Cody misses the exotic and mysterious atmosphere of the old Vegas, the days of the Rat Pack, the all-you-can-eat buffets, and the classic slot machines. He believes that the modern Vegas has lost its charm and authenticity.

Show Notes