Am I smarter than my smartphone

I occasionally will stumble across the TV program, Are you smarter than a 5th Grader?

My immediate thought was, TV has really hit a new low in reality programs. Who isn’t smarter than a fifth grader except maybe those kindergarten types. Out of curiosity and armored with my post-high school degrees I watched that program with the secure knowledge that, after the first few minutes, I’d quickly switch channels out of sheer boredom.

I was dumbfounded that I could barely grasp the questions that those snot-nose, smirking grade schoolers were readily able to answer. Time for reflection.

For those old enough to remember, there was a time when one had to memorize multiplication tables before being allowed to pass on to the next grade. Later in life, if someone asked me what was 7 + 5, all I had to do was count on my fingers. Now, I ask my ‘smartphone’ for the answer. I’ve actually forgotten how may toes and fingers I have.

Just the other day, I was attempting to resolve an issue with a company regarding damages to my home from the Sandy hurricane. I told the secretary, that if she had a smartphone, I could text the requested information to her. She said she did not own a smartphone and asked if, ‘I really felt smarter because of my smartphone?’

I just Luv’s my smartphone, my reliance on it and my attachment to it. It makes my world so much better. However, am I really better off because of it?

Once again, do I really want a piece of this? Your thoughts?

How this all began...

First off, why am I starting this blog now? It was the week of October 28, 2012 and hurricane Sandy has blown through the east coast cutting off power and flooding many areas. I’m without a radio, TV, internet, lights or heat. I finally managed to charge my laptop but I don’t want to drain the battery mostly playing games.

I’ve got all this pent up energy to vent so I’ve decided finally to actually keep a promise to myself - to express observations that have always puzzled or amazed me. Maybe even find some solutions to the puzzles.

That being said, lets get back to the question, ‘do you want a piece of this?’ To many, this may seem to be a straight forward question, depending on your up-bringing. A simple yes or no response would probably suffice in most instances.

Me, I grew up in the type of neighborhood where this statement meant, ‘let’s get it on.’ You have either the clear choice of jumping back to defend yourself, or rushing in with fists swinging. Never a question of the options.

But, I’ve since migrated through higher education to eventually participate in a more cosmopolitan society. This same question might now be interpreted as a generous offer to be followed by either a polite, ‘no thank you’ or  palms stretched forward with an appreciative smile.

Although the question is addressed to you, it has been my personal challenge to work through the myriad of such mixed signals continually buffeting me. Now, perhaps you can begin to see where the confusion might set in, being influenced by both these worlds. Add to this my genetic code of always having a different drum beat pounding loudly in my head, oblivious to the various melodies surrounding me. It’s kind of like texting while walking.  I find myself, much too often, looking around surprised at the obvious mis-steps thinking, ’is it me or them that’s off beat?’

I often believe that I truly might actually  ‘want a piece of this’ but am continually watchful for the risk of simply being sucked in to something regretful. Do I move forward with a smile, jump back or walk away?

The one item I am very clear about is the value of humor as a tremendous aide in my coping process. It is a challenge for someone to laugh or scream at you if they are busy laughing with you, no guarantee of course. I have actually bumped into people where laughter escapes from them like an unexpected fart in a crowded elevator. They even manage to look surprised or embarrassed by the moment. Only adds to my confusion.

I assure you, by the way, this is going someplace. Just hang in there for this journey we’re taking together.

So, how do I cope. I’m always looking for outside cues to determine the proper flow of things. Much like waiting for someone else to laugh at that joke(?) before I heartily join in. Sometimes it might be easier to resist any temptation of being caught off guard by simply saying, ‘to hoot with the whole thing.’

In my continual quest for clarity and understanding of this puzzling world, I figure what better way than to share my story as a blog. Hopefully you guys will pitch in, where you feel the need, to share your thoughts, comments, questions and experiences. Together, we might determine which way the world is turning (or should be turning :-) and how we might make better use of it.

I strongly ask that your replies consider a few points:

1. your comments are not derogatory or inflammatory, we are here to communicate and not vent
2. they are honest, made-up stuff is a turn off
3. they are hopefully informative and/or constructive, we’ll receive more thoughtful replies this way
4. humor is a big plus if it helps get the message across better
5. feel free to suggest topics we can all learn from, a no-brainer