ME VS. THE 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- minum and wires that works differently but still promises the same thing. Which is always independence, intelligence, success and wealth. 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

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.

Encencd, inxgdllivdncd,xj. DzNdcsddlHg. Hope I figure out how to do this before it’s too late.

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CHEW ON THIS// We write about a lot of stuff each month on our site (city hall, schools, crime, etc. ...), but perhaps nothing generates more discussion than our restaurant posts. Below, a sampling of the latest in neighborhood eatery news (and a taste of what you’re missing if you’re not visiting advocatemag.com regularly):

From RESTAURANT TALK: TOULOUSE

The usual crowd looks like the haute couture of Highland Park—if you can fight through the collagen, Jimmy Choos and $2,500 handbags, you are in for a great food experience...

...From beginning to end — or from Goat Cheese Tarte to Chocolate Mousse — I loved Toulouse. The waitstaff are extremely attentive and are quick to give opinionated yet able food recommendations.

After one visit, I was dreaming in techno color chocolate. The dark chocolate mousse served with whip cream, raspberries, and a chocolate pirouette is pure evil genius. It is rich enough to share, but if you are anything like me, you won’t.

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