ME VS. THE IPAD

I’m using it because I have to, not because I want to I’m writing this column on my new Apple iPad.

Only, the first time I wrote that sentence, it looked like this instead:

IM etitingjthis column on j Apihp,rSnrei Ad.

You see, the iPad has a virtual keyboard — it’s a bunch of letters projected on a piece of glass. So when I type, I can’t feel the keys and don’t sense the feedback I’ve felt for most of my typewriter- and keyboard-filled life.

And because typing on the iPad feels so different — it doesn’t feel like anything at all, really — I can’t do what I normally do, which is type along with my thoughts. This new technology actually isn’t better than what I already have; at least, it isn’t better today.

So why am I telling you all of this, along with giving you an example of my notably lacking skill with the latest in technology?

I’m in a business that requires keeping up with, even keeping ahead of (if that’s possible), new technology. If I don’t, I might not have a job in a few years. Or so it seems today.

And I’m probably not alone. How many of our businesses, and how many of our jobs, are “safe” these days? Perhaps there was a time when we could punch the clock all the way to retirement, and perhaps there’s still a job or two out there that allows that mentality. But for most of us, feeling uncomfortable using the latest technology is the least of our employment challenges. Even the people at Burger King and McDonald’s have to know a little something about technology to run the cash register and fry the fries, it seems.

And changing technology doesn’t stop with our jobs. The cameras we use now can tell where we’re taking the pictures, and some of them can even send photos off wirelessly without a computer. The televisions we watch generate video so crisp and sharp that you can see the acne beneath actors’ makeup. And cars we drive are so filled with computer chips and software programs that a Lexus can actually parallel-park itself — seriously — with no help from the driver.

So here I sit with an iPad in my lap, telling myself that learning this particular new technology is worth the time and effort I’ll need to invest in it, knowing full well that in a year (or maybe even just in time for the 2010 holidays) what I’m learning today will have to be learned all over again on a newer piece of plastic, alu-

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Or, as that last sentence shows up on my iPad when I switch from hunt-and-peck typing to my normal multi-finger typing skills: Which isa,wayisindd Encencd, inxgdllivdncd,xj. DzNdcsddlHg.

Hope I figure out how to do this before it’s too late.

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Compassionate Novel

Jeanette Crumpler [June Advocate “Signs of Love: Jeannette Crumpler’s new novel draws from the life of her deaf son”] is a talented writer, with many years of experience, and this book is her best yet. I learned far more than I had ever imagined about the world of the deaf. It’s a heart warming, heart-breaking story of the lives of those who must learn to cope in a world they cannot hear, and the lives of those who share their struggles. I give it five stars.

—GINNIE

BIVONA, VIA

THE TV SHOW IN OUR ‘HOOD

“The Good Guys” got thumbs up in our household. I thought it was over-the-top, retro, cheesy and really funny in parts. I’m looking forward to watching it when the full season starts. I kinda love tongue-in-cheek retro references anyway and this definitely had them in spades.

—PITT, VIA

Our household rather enjoyed watching the show last night. Of course, we were more intrigued by the location shots than the content. The content did leave a bit to be desired. I would be interested to see what a national audience thought of it.

—WILL, VIA

You can see some Lakewood neighborhoods and of course downtown Dallas. However, the show suckethed royally.

—CORBY, VIA

My husband and I enjoyed all the wacky directions in “The Good Guys,” like when Julius tells Stark to head out East from downtown to find Westmoreland! I can just imagine somebody roaming around Mesquite looking for a street in Oak Cliff.

—LINDA, VIA

you need.