Maxims for the Modern Age

Seniors suck. At the library, we have a bowl of help-yourself lollipops at the Reference Desk. One of our librarians noted with a twinkle that it seemed that older patrons were the most common raiders of the sucker dish. Seniorita's ears flapped but soon realized that older people often suck (literally) because of bad teeth or sore or dry mouths. I guess it's self-evident that use of some of the technology gadgets might be difficult for people with poor vision, poor hearing, or physical problems such as arthritis or Parkinson's. My point: It would be a kinder world if everyone remembered that not all of us are nimble, quick, and graceful.

An apple a day... Apples once referred to chewy things, but today's usage probably has more to do with Apple (and other) technology products and customer service. Daunted by buying and setting up a fabulous new tech toy? Don't be. On a recent excursion to a local Apple store, for example, Seniorita and her trusty companion were wowed by the store's commitment to customer service. Seventeen (really!) store staffers circulated throughout the small retail space, answered every possible question about every product in the store and made each customer feel special. Even Seniorita didn't feel like a dolt. Moral of this maxim: As a senior, you have every right to be treated with dignity and enthusiasm. Expect and demand great customer service; you'll probably get it. If you don't, go elsewhere. Remember, too, that you can always bring your device to the library for some TLC. We often have drop-in clinics/petting zoos. On Friday afternoon, May 18, for example, you can try out popular eReaders, receive one-on-one assistance and learn how to download free eBooks and audiobooks from the library. Come any time from 3 to 5.

Why? Because... Sometimes there's no rhyme or reason for something, and it's useless to obsess (those who know me will find that most amusing!) about trivia. I cannot help but marvel at some of the tech nomenclature. For example, to me a python is a big snake (shiver), but I now know it's a popular programming language developed by devoted fans of Monty Python. If you're often bewildered like Seniorita, get yourself a good overview of technology. At the library we have many fine offerings. One of them is The Nature of Technology by W. Brian Arthur. The Senior Sleuth's Guide to Technology is another great overview. And, a series called Computer Books for Seniors addresses all kinds of topics. iPad for Seniors, for example, is scheduled for June publication. To give still more clues on tech topics, Best Buy's Geek Squad is coming to both libraries in July. Check our website calendar for details. The word is that the program is not only informative but hugely entertaining.

His head's in the clouds. Cloud technology has replaced the notion of daydreaming in modern tech speak. The ambition of the cloud is to liberate your computer from the clunky, terrestrial box sitting on your desk and to send data off to the ether of the internet. This is the modern equivalent of the old-school practice of sending cumbersome files away for offsite storage. In more concrete terms, the cloud shares computing resources across the internet, so that you can run programs and access files that are not stored on your local computer or device. This helps keep your device light in both weight and price, since intense computations and large file storage can be performed by powerhouse computers elsewhere. More on cloud technology is promised.

For now, gotta go. Dewey calls. TTFN.

- Seniorita

P.S. Share your thoughts and ideas by sending a message to me at seniorita@winnetkalibrary.org