Is technology necessary? 03.26.14

Is technology necessary?      03.26.14

 

                If you are reading this you have some type of electronic device that can access the internet.

(I wonder why it wasn’t called the outernet or the overnet since it does not reside inside any one building, business or country.)

Almost anything we have now has some type of technology in it or involved with it. I remember when I was “a children” (yes I said children, over a decade ago, way over) TVs did not have remote controls and one could get their exercise by walking from the couch to the TV and back. I should note, there were only three channels to watch, so we didn’t get a lot of exercise. Also the TV went off at midnight and came on at 6:00am. Thankfully in the olden days there wasn’t any porn on TV.

My wife’s car has several computers. Recently the dealership replaced a seat belt in her vehicle and it took over 2 hours. I asked why it took so long and I was told they had to program the seat belt into the computer.

I also as them about the traction control button. If you push it the traction control goes off; I wanted to know how that effected the vehicle. I was told (right or wrong) that the traction control is controlled by a computer and if it detects wheel slippage the computer will apply the break on the wheel that is slipping. They said if you are stuck in mud, sand or deep snow turn the traction control off, otherwise leave it on. 

We have several old computers (they still work) and a tablet at “The Ford Homestead”. I am not sure why, as I receive one or two personal emails each month. The other communications are basically spam.

Being a retired person on a fixed income, I have considered going to one of the local eating establishments daily or every other day and using their Wi Fi to check email and post my blog articles.

At first I thought it would save me money by not having the internet at home. I then realized I would have to drive there and back using a gallon of gas ($3.15), when I arrive I would need to purchase something to eat or drink (from $1.50 to $7.00) in order to use their Wi Fi.

Quick calculations indicate I would spend from $4.65 to $10.15 each visit. Every other day for a month at $4.65 per visit equals $69.75. Do you have any idea how many aluminum cans I would need to pick up from the side of the road to be able to afford $69.75?

How did I get started on this subject?

I was wanting to say the kids now days do not always need something electronic to keep them busy. I have installed my version of a tire swing and the kids have had fun playing on it. They can swing on it, play dodge the tire as it swings back and forth, and Alex has had sword fights with imaginary pirates on it.

 

Don’t look at the yard, I know it will need to be mowed and I need to do other yard work this weekend.

 

Have a non-technical day, relax a little.

 

Don Ford