The Ipad and Kids

This winter, I received an Ipad as part of a marketing promotion effort.  Needless to say, I was excited to finally get a chance to play with this cool new piece of technology that seems to be sweeping the globe.  To be perfectly honest I’ve been disappointed.  There’s one app, a magazine called Zite, that I really, really like.  But it’s the only thing I use the Ipad for.  Most of my computer use involves typing, or switching between lots of things going on at once, both of which the Ipad is awful at.  Sure I could get an external keyboard, but than why not just use a notebook?

However, with my kids, it’s been different.  The Ipad’s been a HUGE hit.  And I guess I need to admit to a second thing I use the Ipad for.  Finding and installing games/things to do for them.  I think we have 30-40 applications for the kids already (and probably a couple dozen more I’ve checked out and deleted).

I’ve often wondered about this “Ipad addiction”  And my perspective might be a bit different than many reading this.  We don’t have TV, I didn’t grow up with TV in my house, and neither are my kids.  Was reading an article this morning that inspired this blog post from me “Why every kid in America needs an Ipad”  Some interesting points, but not having the TV to start with, it wasn’t completely  applicable.  However there’s times when I’m home, I’m working on other things or projects, that the Ipad can be a very nice babysitter.

Reflections on technology

There’s a health care issue in my past your probably not aware of.  A  few years ago, a totally unrelated CAT scan showed a growth on my kidney that doctors were concerned about.  Had an operation to remove it, it turned out to be a non-spreadable form of cancer.  So every year I have a followup CAT scan, and things have always looked okay.  Until last Friday, I think the doctor’s words were “the spot looks enhanced, compared to previous scans”.  I don’t know what that means for sure, but he wants to do another surgery to remove whatever it is, scheduled for mid-October.  Although I think my risk of getting killed in a car accident may be greater than dying from whatever mass of stuff is attached to my kidney right now, it makes you think.  I’m thankful I can ultimately place my life in God’s hands at these times, knowing that he knows best in all things.

However, I can also be very thankful for modern health care technology.  I’ve got a wonderful wife and four of the best kids, and if only for them I’m thankful we have a health care system that has pushed the technology envelope time and time again to do everything we can to find, diagnosis and fix all the things that can go wrong with us.  (As a small example, in the short time since my last surgery, the doctor is now using a robotic arm for the operation for enhanced safety and effectiveness).  You see modern technology has allowed very, very advanced tools to attempt to “fix” me and others, but it’s still the people that make it work – the doctors, nurses, specialists, aids, janitors, everyone.