Need iPad

I would consider myself a bit of a techno geek.  Although I may not always purchase the latest gadgets, I love learning about new technology advancements and playing with online apps.  Similarly, I consider myself a fairly good cook.  Although I do not always make the dishes I admire in the mags, I review them with a gusto.  My hobby worlds are helping each other today, as I find that GOURMET Magazine will be revived as an iPad application.  Now I have treason to purchase the new iPad!

Is the $899 cost of an iPad justified by making a few gourmet meals?  Oh I think so.

Unplugged

The NY Times had an interesting article on parenting while plugged in that introduced the trouble with parents who spend more time on social media or smart phones and less time speaking to their kids.  When I started reading it, I thought how horrible that these parents aren't paying enough attention to their kids.  Then I thought about it and realized I may sometimes be that parent.

Granted my son is not a toddler any longer.  But when he was only 3 weeks old, I recall sitting in front of my computer on the floor while I rocked him with my foot.  I was checking work email (couldn't bear to be away from the office grind in those days).  My husband came into the room asking me what the hell I was thinking?  I had no idea what he was talking about until he revealed that I was so engrossed in my work that I was rocking the baby at a pace that could have launched him into the ceiling.

I don't think it's new for parents to be distracted with work efforts while trying to multitask as parents.  I just think technology has made it so much easier to do.  If you have kids you know that toddlers will stop a perfectly content play session to get your attention as soon as you are on the phone. But now you can take that phone to the playground or for a walk.

Recently my teenager slammed ipod and ripped the connected from the car outlet because as he was telling me about a new song that he wanted me to hear, I answered my OnStar to take a call.  I realized how it made him feel pretty quickly and immediately told the caller I would get back to them.  His face showed a bit of surprise but he smiled and even thanked me.  Maybe I am not a lost cause.

Yesterday, he and I decided to bike to the marina for lunch.  He purposefully left his phone at home and I put mine on vibrate on the bottom of my backpack.  We did not speak continually throughout that ride or lunch but we were both "present" and engaged with each other.  It was a terrific afternoon.

I think age and experience is telling me that it is ok to miss a call.  Most items will wait and emergencies are usually not the norm.  I am now putting "Unplug" on my to do list.

Flash Mobs

The Time recently ran an article on Flash Mobs and the violence they evoke.  The concept of spontaneous gatherings is not new and thanks to our technological advancements it is much easier and quicker to facilitate.  But like all advancements, ways are found to use the good for bad.

On one hand, if you have ever tried to throw a party or organize an event, you know how daunting and time consuming it can be.  I am so amazed that our social networking skills allow thousands of people to join for a cause at the spur of the moment.

However the mobs are a problem.  In Philadelphia, teenagers are gathering to reek havoc on the city and for apparently no other reason.  I think the authorities are doing the right thing, by immediately instituting curfews and changes time validity of subway passes and even holding parents somewhat responsible.

Many think that the lack of funding for violence prevention among teens and the severe cuts in after school programs are adding to the intensity.  Kids don't have enough supervised activities so they are causing trouble.  Its not a new concept, just one more severe because of the ease in growing a group.

Just another result of city budget cuts having severe outcomes.

Where's Waldo? And all my other friends?

Remember the days when you could avoid someone by not answering your phone or keeping the curtains drawn in the house?  Well technology is making us better but not allowing us to deceive those visitors.  Or maybe Big Brother is showing his face in full force.

I was recently introduced to Loopt.  This application allows you to track you friends wherever they are.  Easy to download and really easy to use.  My question is "Do I want my friends knowing where I am all the time?" Actually they don't know where I am but they will know where my phone is.  Could be useful as I lose my phone a couple of times weekly.

I love this GPS technology but I am a little wigged out about the application.  Do I want to be shopping on Elmwood only to run into the person I was trying to avoid all week?  Do I want my husband to know I spend a significant amount of time at LeeLee's or Adams?  And what if I am skipping out of work only to be located at my favorite watering hole?  This makes me sound a little deceptive and underhanded; I am not really saying I do these things, just posting the question :-).

On the other hand think of the great intel.  Your kids state they are at their friend's house studying but the phone is at ETS.  Your husband went on his business trip to Chicago but left his phone at the local Hyatt.  Your best friend was too ill to come to your board meeting but her phone is shopping at the Gallery.

On a more serious note, couldn't we help the elderly and confused with this technology?  How about the Amber Alerts?

The application also locates restaurants and hotspots.  I really love it and intend on using it.  For you local GPS nuts you may also want to check out eStudentNetwork (Bravo Comand Solutions team!)

I am always for technological advancements.  Deal with the ethical and moral ramifications but do not stop the advancement of science and technology.  Big Brother bring it on!