• It is official, I am a Geek. My kids have been telling me this for years and now I guess it is true. Last week we had a computer crash. In technical computer parlance it was called "the black screen of death". In normal people parlance "it was broke". I called tech support and spoke with an expert computer technician for about fifteen minutes. He was very nice but I realized after a couple of minutes that I knew more about computers and this issue than he did. When I got off the phone I told my wife that I wasn't sure if the call was bad or good. It was bad because I didn't get any help but good to realize that I knew more about this issue than an expert. My conclusion was that if I know more than a Geek then that must also make me a Geek. My kids actually use Geek and Nerd interchangeably. I prefer Geek. I think it connotes a more intellectual persona. My wife might disagree with that conclusion. To that I say "Oh, yeah?" 
• As a Boomer I try to keep up with technology but I do avoid some things. I haven't gotten involved with Facebook or Twitter simply because I don't have a great need to know details about all my "friends" bathroom habits, especially not on a minute to minute basis. I really don't see any need for a GPS. I've had people telling me where to go for years. I'm not closed minded, I may "re-calc-u-late" going in that direction in the future. There needs to be a balance in the use of all the modern technology available to us. The following story makes that point.
• A friend of mine was telling me about going through a recent power outage. With no electricity he had no television, no computer or play station. It was snowing and very cold so he was stuck at home with nothing to do. He ended up talking to his wife for a couple of hours. He said, "She seems like a nice person!"  We shouldn't let modern technology interfere with face to face, one on one communication and activities with our family and friends. Look at the Amish, they never have electricity and they have very strong family relationships and strong community. Many of them have twelve to fourteen kids. Ok, maybe that isn't the best point but what do you want from a Geek.
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• Boomer Babble - "Thoughts at Large" are written by the Boomer Babble Guys, Charles Doug and John with occasional help from friends.  The Boomer Babble radio show is broadcast on WNAX 570 Sunday evenings at 5:00.  Visit us at BoomerBabble.com.
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