In a larger sense, it's a challenge to throw away stuff, just as it's difficult to trim big data. As I reach retirement, our attic, bookshelves, and cabine

In a larger sense, it's a challenge to throw away stuff, just as it's difficult to trim big data. As I reach retirement, our attic, bookshelves, and cabinets must be trimmed -- and each item requires attention and a decision. Some things in the attic are obvious liabilities (what to do with a mercury barometer? A radium dial pocket watch? Old electronics?) Disposing of other stuff requires time, insight, and a sense of the future (should we keep those fingerpainted scribbles from when the kids were 3? How about those cheesy trophies from chess club? Computer books from the 1970's? Betamax home movies? Record albums?)