The Computer is Dead...

I was in a training class for Web 2.0 Basics when the instructor asked what was the definition of a computer. He said Microsoft sees a computer as anything with an operating system and Google sees the computer as something to that does searches. To extend that, Apple probably sees the computer as a media device; Nokia sees a computer as a mobile phone and maybe Cisco sees the computer as anything that connects to the internet.

Is the computer is dead? If not dead, than it definitely has a terminal disease (pun intended, get it?) Everything is a computer, but the only true thing that the normal Jane sees as a computer is her laptop or desktop. How soon before the laptop is obsolete? You already can do almost anything that you do on your laptop with your cell phone or your ipod or your tivo or your xbox.

My bold prediction - in 10 years we will no longer be using "computers"; we will be using other devices with other names that have an operating system, does searches, entertains us, is mobile and is connected to the internet. Heck, we already are.

Long Live the Computer...

According to wikipedia.org, A computer is a machine which manipulates data according to a list of instructions.

Based upon that definition, if Bubba from "Forrest Gump" was a real person and had a passion for computers like he does shrimp, he's list of computers would be: "Desktop Computer, Laptop Computer, Handheld Computer, Cell Phone Computer, iPod Computer, Tivo Computer, Digital Camera Computer, DVD Player Computer, XBOX Computer..."

Those are the easy ones, but what about other stuff with Computers in them; everyday items. Bubba continues - "Car Computer, Telephone Computer, TV Computer, Refrigerator Computer, Toaster Computer (yes, my toaster has a computer chip in it), Coffee Maker Computer, Dishwasher Computer, Baby Doll Computer, Cieling Fan Computer, Underwear Computer (it's possible)..."

As computer chips get smaller and cheaper, everything can be computerized. Do you think of everything around you as a computer or only that that big ugly box under your desk? What's your definition of computer? Long Live the Computer...

Deconstructing Starbucks...

As I sit in my friendly neighborhood Starbucks drinking my $1.85 venti green tea, I quickly wonder why would I pay $1.85 for a cup of tea when I have the exact same tea at home. Is it that hard to heat up water?

In fact, the most expensive drink here is a holiday-spirited Peppermint Mocha at $4.40. That combo of flavors doesn't really interest me. Is it really worth that?

So why is there a continuous stream of soccer moms, high school students, and casual dressed business men buying their $3.50 soy lattes? I'm sure it's not the coffee and definitely not the soy. The funky chairs and music and nice barristas add some value, but the people come for the CUPS. Holding a Starbucks cup makes you look and feel cool! Who can put a price on cool? Starbucks! 29 cents for the coffee and soy milk... $3.21 for a cup of cool...

Easy Peanut Butter...

When making Peanut Butter and Bananas for a snack for my kids, they like me to cut the banana into little rounds then spread peanut butter on top.

Try it out! This is a major whipping! The banana's stick to the knife or the peanut butter won't stick to the banana's. You end up having to use your fingers and then half the kitchen is dotted with peanut butter fingerprints.

MY BIG IDEA - Peanut Butter in a Easy Cheese can. Who's with me? Petition Kraft Now!

Education 2.0: A Simple Definition...

K-12 Education 1.0 (today) is to K-12 Education 2.0 (tomorrow) as Lecture is to Conversation... hmmmm....

Web 2.0: A Simple Definition...

Web 1.0 is to Web 2.0 as Lecture is to Conversation.