16 Comments

Podcasts are the big one for me. Outside of a few sporting events and cartoons with my daughter, I watch no TV. Podcasts are my entertainment medium. Which, now that I think about it, is probably similar to the way people used the radio before TV existed. So, in a way, maybe it's come full circle?

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What an interesting observation, Randy. I noticed the generational shift when my two boys would shove each other to be on the edge of the pew. "I can't SEE him TALK" said one. I realized then that their audio-processor was visual because they spent so much more time in front of the TV than we had with radio shows. I'm glad that audio and podcasts are reversing that trend.

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I nominate Zoom, which for me turned my preconceptions of how we might form connections, build relationships etc on its head. It’s been a terrific adjunct to IRL meet-ups and will continue to be important to me.

Thanks for the prompt questions Karena and for that marvellous choral singing.

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Another great technology and one that made our wonderful relationship possible, Margaret!

It has changed the way we relate to each other.

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"When did you realize that the new technology was now your main go-to?" I grew up with tech but switching to easier options are some of these.

1. Banking

2. Maps

3. Messages (can't stand answering the door)

4. Appointments (eg tele-health)

5. Streaming music / podcasts

6. Keeping in contact with ppl

7. Networking

8. Cooking

9. Information distribution

10. Home schooling / virtual school

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Sarah Jane - I first started blogging to share with other small business owners that they didn't have to queue at the bank to deposit cheques and pay bills.

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You have the nicest way of creating connection!

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Oh, thanks Lisa! It is easy with this group. I know practically everyone IRL or virtually, and we share similar objectives. I'm looking forward to catching up with you on Zoom sometime soon.

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I would love that!

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I'd have to go with fiber optics and broadband infrastructure, as these made everything else possible. From youtube videos on the go to cloud computing for businesses. So, I'm just going to mention this one. But I guess it's enough :) Great piece, Karena, as always!

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Yes, broadband! (She says as her Spotify, Netflix and YouTube seamlessly follow her from home to car to carriage)

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What other technologies have supplanted the “way things were” in your life? Which has made your life easier? Here is your homework. Make a list of 3-10.

1. Maps

2. Online Chat

3. Video Games > TV

4. Phone Flashlight

5. Phone Clock

Nearly all of them have made life easier.

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Flashlight caught my eye, Leo. When I was young, we never left home after dark without a flashlight as we didn't have street lights.

Do you use a phone to receive and make calls? My kids are buying their digital watches for all reasons except for the time!

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Ha, I remember going camping 10yrs ago and using a handheld flashlight to find my way in the dark. Phones have totally superseded flashlights in most contexts.

I haven’t used a watch to make calls yet, but now am curious. I only use my watch to record runs (which is another technological innovation).

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Their list of things to use their watch for include: paying for coffee, alarms, listening to music, reminder to stand up and move! Everything except telling the time!

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Loved the choir!

"What other technologies have supplanted the 'way things were' in your life? Which has made your life easier?"

1. Uber / Lyft (I didn't own a car until 2019)

2. SF Train Apps (same reason as above)

3. Alarm app

4. Texting throughout it's evolution

5. Whatsapp / anything that let's you communicate internationally for free

6. Skype! OG video calling

7. Kindle / Libby (getting books from the library on an app was a game changer for my reading)

8. YouTube - being able to look up any how to, from applying make up to checking the air in my tires

9. Maps

10. Spotify / music on my phone

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