Grandma's army

  To quote Einstein: "I believe that the abominable deterioration of ethical standards stems primarily from the mechanization and depersonalization of our lives—a disastrous byproduct of science and technology. Nostra culpa! (We are to blame!)". Nobody questions the remarkable achievements and progress that science and technology have made to our quality of life. However, it’s become appallingly clear that our technology has surpassed our humanity. Our great-grandchildren know how to use smart phones and computers, from an early age. But their general knowledge is woefully lacking. What do they know of the great cultural visionaries of the past,   who introduced us to art, music, philosophy, etc.   To a world of beauty, grace and the thirst for knowledge. For the most part, they haven't a clue. People increasingly rely on smartphones, tablets, and computers for daily tasks such as navigation, reminders, work, and entertainment. This dependence reduces problem-solvin...

When opening my cell phone today I was appalled to see that I had over 500 messages on my what’s app! It appears that my 10 year old great grandson had mistakenly attached me to his group of friends. After getting over the shock, I realized that I was three generations removed from our youngster and must accept today’s methods of communication. Not that I approve. Not so long ago, if you wanted to talk with family or friends, you had to use your land line phone. If not at home, there were those iconic phone booths. The phone cord forced us to stay focused, without the flexibility to multitask. The conversation, the person we were speaking to, was what mattered. Not so long ago, we also used to write letters. Real ones, with a pen and paper. You needed envelopes and stamps and postal workers to deliver them. We used to check our mail boxes every day. I distantly remember the pleasure to be had when receiving a handwritten letter. To sit down, open and read it. Focus, smile and rea...