What has this generation come to?

I'm not saying I'm opposed to technology at all, I'm going to a university of science and technology. I'm just saying that some people these days are becoming too reliant on their gadgets. I have actually still used books as a source in many of my projects, some things don't change much over time, like the characteristics of an airfoil. And as far as growing up with video games, I never had any kind of gaming system until high school. My parents were firm believers in books and playing outside with the neighbor kids.

 

I played inside with neighborhood kids, outside with neighborhood kids, in the woods with neighborhood kids, and on my roof with neighborhood kids. All while having NES, SNES, Genesis in the house.

Also, all without being kicked out and forced to do so.

 

When I was 17 we called cell phones satellite phones or walkie talkies if you couldn't afford the phone. They were only a little smaller than the mobile radios you see in WWII movies. LOL

 

What would THIS hobby be like if we had to look up all of our information in books?

FWIW, I had to assemble my first computer, including each individual memory chip. They came in a plastic sleeve. 12 Mhz processor, yeah, baby.

 

I have to admit, I grew up in a similar enviroment
the TV was my dads, and when he got in from work, irrespective of what my brother and I where watching, he would take of his jacket and shoes and either switch channels or turn off the TV

I never saw a complete episode of Star Trek until I left home aged 16

my kids have Wiii, PSP, own TV and DVD in bedroom and they are ages 8 1/2 and 2 1/2

if they want to watch star trek - then Ill "make it so"

Steve

 

adapt of be left behind, thats my advice to you.

besides its not all bad if your decent with internet searchs the info you can find is far more current, and if you search for a while you will probably understand it better then with encyclopedias.

but I don't really see the need for a cell phone until they can pay for it.

also ironic your posting this on a forum.

 

when you have teenage daughters, you will change your mind I reckon
you dont have to stand up wandering about all evening until they get home, if they have a mobile with them
its reassuring IMHO

Steve

 

DING DING DING winner winner chicken dinner!

this is the voice of experience.

 

I got a cell phone as soon as I was of age to work (15) at a store and not doing yard work. I had to ride my bike 5 miles each way to get there so my parents bought me the Nokia Brick. They did it for the exact same reason. Peace of mind and knowing that your kids can contact you instantly is worth the money. However, at age 7 an adult better be with her wherever she is so no need for her to have a cell phone.

The Nokia Brick is still the best phone I have ever had. It was bitten by a dog, smashed with lacrosse sticks and run over once. Still worked perfectly. I would love to see an iphone stand up to all that let alone one of those things.

What I am annoyed with is how disciplining your child has become illegal. If you even yell at your child some nosey person is on the phone with CPS as soon as they find out about it.

Let people depend on their GPSs and never know where they are going. When the satellites fall from the skies in 2012 you will have the last laugh. I have an atlas in my car for if I ever get lost. The only time I use a GPS is if I am in the field and trying to find sites.

 

You probably couldn't have been closer to the truth if you were informed about the real problem with the current GPS satellites.

The US satellite program lost funding, so the current GPS satellites are overdue for an overhaul. No funding, no new satellites, and at some point they'll just drop.