Ain't technology grand?

"What is this ‘dot-com’ stuff?” my grandfather asked me one evening. “All I ever hear on commercials is 'dot-com.' What's it all mean?"

It’s a fair inquiry from a 91-year-old gent. I described in layman's terms how computers work, and I explained how I can send cousin Tommy words and pictures over the telephone lines far faster than mailing them by post.

He smiled, shook his head and said the world was moving too fast for him.

I can't blame him for his reaction. I can only imagine how much technical innovation he's seen in his lifetime. Sending e-mail might be advanced, but it probably can’t compare to seeing indoor plumbing for the first time.

Even though I consider myself tech savvy, I still can’t come to grips with some advancements. For instance, I can't get used to speakers that look like trendy lamp stands or metallic flyswatters.

I realize modern designs can do awesome things with their time-aligned psycho acoustics, but I still cling to the packing-crate sized, woofer-tweeter combos with the faux-walnut finish.

You've heard the term “high-tech redneck”? This is a perfect example: Some local ‘coon hunters use cell phones in the woods. These phones are so much more than mere phones -- they're computers. They can take and view photos, send text messages, check weather reports and access GPS.

Forget Swiss Army knives. If I get lost in a remote wilderness area, I hope I remembered to pack my cell phone.