Wednesday, May 25, 2011

e-weather

Technology has again become an important tool in my life.  It's noon and I find myself in the basement of my employ, with a lot of really cool infants and toddlers and their handlers all doing their best to 'weather the tornadic storms.' 

With no cell phone service, and jammed land line circuits, the only way to commnicate is by Internet.  An e-mail to my wife, then finally, a land line call goes through to my out of town son where he, in turn,  texts my wife and nephew, who are only a few miles from me.  

However, the greatest benefit is to 'watch' the storm we are hoping to avoid.  Tracking the radar, we can 'see' it's direct path over us; Channel 5 has a live panoramic helicopter view of the storm as it progresses; the TV station web sites document touchdowns in the area... a couple within 40 blocks of my house and one proclaims the storm is progressing up Nall Avenue.  My house is a block from Nall Avenue. 

As the Warnings are extended, the background din grows louder, restless children are served lunch as we wait, but I have my computer to keep me busy.  Today, I thank God for technology....for it gives me information...and peace of mind.  I am not always so thankful for technology. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

It's a new e-world

As I venture further into the nouveau world of not-for-profit organizations, I realize the need to master the e-world.  No longer do we talk to each other, we now 'reference' information on our friends' web sites, face book, blogs, etc.  Donor partners don't want an update...they want YOU to update your face book, web page, and organizational profile, so they can make a decision about funding your projects via e-mail proposals.  All without human communication.

Today, there are so many things we can learn about each other without even using our cell phones to talk...or even consider licking another postage stamp.  

Join me as I discover this new world.  [Actually I've had a home computer since 1984...monochrome screen, no hard drive, 'big' floppy disks, etc. so I'm familiar with the technology.]  For a decade, I used typewriters and thermo-faxes...my how technology flies.  I've just been one who wanted to have a conversation and 'tell you the story of my not-for-profit,' not make a presentation.    

Oh, well, as I remind myself often, it is the 21st Century.