AM I THE ONLY ONE?

Am I the only one a little bewildered by the high tech world we live in today.  Granted I did not grow up in a world where we became computer savvy by kindergarten, had a cell phone when we were 8 or had all manner of things plugged into our ears.  When you grow up with things you have a way of learning them without even making an effort.  Not so when you are on the shady side of the hill trying to cram yourself with the knowledge necessary to keep pace with a generation personified by a baby in a TV commercial, wearing diapers, standing in a crib and talking in a deep, man’s voice about his portfolio.  When someone has that kind of a head start on me how am I supposed to catch up?

I guess, at my stage in life, what I am trying to figure out is what is worth learning in the tech world and what is fluff.  By fluff I mean that which would be nice to know or amuse myself with but is not really necessary to stay competitive in today’s business climate.  In other words, with the time I have available what should I be concentrating on to keep pace. 

About 5 years ago I read a quote by a woman (whose name I can’t remember) who was head of one of the larger computer related companies in the world.  She said “Within 5 years, if you are not computer literate it will be the equivalent to not knowing how to read and write”.  If we aren’t there, we are close.  But that just scratches the surface.  Even if we attain an “expert” rating in computers that does not necessarily translate to business success. 

I guess what I am wondering is how do we take this magical tool our generation has been blessed with and use it to most advance our cause, be it intellectual or financial?  That’s where I am stuck.  As things advance so rapidly that today’s hot idea is tomorrow’s old news, how do we hitch a ride with a rising star and avoid a fizzling star.  Think back over the past decade and all the companies that were the cat’s meow that are now history. 

Much smarter men and women than I have spent years studying how to maximize their marketing efforts in this media mad world.  Companies have gotten wiser, first sticking their toe in the waters and now committing fully to Twitter, Facebook, You Tube and a host of other gizmos in an effort to sell their wares.  There must be a method to the madness.

I guess I can start with my own little blog here and learn how to maximize my readership and following with graphics, feeds, links and other tricks.  That will give me some of the basics that I can build on.  To be honest, part of me enjoys committing my thoughts to a blog even if no one took interest but the other part of me is fascinated by the ocean of opportunity out there if I just get it together and apply myself.  First my blog, then the world. 

             

REALITY CHECK

I was going to re-enter the blogosphere with a blog about my shoulder replacement surgery and the subsequent rehab.  I changed my mind after recently being an honored guest at a Camp Pendleton change of command ceremony for the United States Marines Wounded Warrior Battalion West.  From this point on you will not read anything I write nor hear anything I say that even hints at my being disappointed in the cards God has dealt me. 

As the men and women of this battalion stood at rigid attention on the parade ground for close to two hours in a hot sun, the changing of command took place.  The outgoing commandant spoke about the huge progress made during his command.  The commitment of much needed funds had allowed for a construction program that, when finished would provide a base hospital and state of the art equipment for those Marines injured while defending our country.

Then he talked about what the Marines do for their own.  Each wounded soldier is placed in one of several facilities on the west coast depending on their injuries and the need for rehab.  From the outset, he explained, there is a concerted effort to bring the entire support of the Marine family to bear in the support of these soldiers as that feeling of family is critical to their recovery.  While receiving mental and physical treatment they are also being prepared for a life after they leave the Marines.  Even though some return to service in whatever capacity they are capable, most must eventually leave the cocoon of the Corp and make it on their own.  Every conceivable effort is made to prepare them for that challenge.

The commandant then told of a recent athletic competition in Denver of wounded soldiers from various branches of the service.  One of the competitions was won by a soldier who was in attendance.  He was a double, high amputee, which means both legs were amputated very high.  He was also blind.  He was introduced and received a loud ovation.  The commandant said that most would be overwhelmed with despair given the same circumstances.  He asked the soldier how he felt about life.  In a booming Marine voice, the soldier responded “Never been better, Sir!”

 After the change of command, which involves a solemn ceremony of the outgoing commandant passing the flag to the incoming officer, there were more words of commitment to the now and future soldiers of the Wounded Warrior Battalion.  As we dispersed I walked up to the soldier who had been acknowledged.  I did my best to muster every bit of sincerity and respect I had in me to thank him.  From his wheel chair he replied “You’re welcome”.  The fact that he could not see me only intensified what was already a very humbling experience.