By Judie Donaldson I just returned from a vacation with my family at Lake Tahoe, which is about as beautiful and serene a setting as I have known. But, while I was there, I noticed something curious. I observed that my two daughters and two sons-in-law––all of whom are professionals with demanding jobs––were completely free […]
Benicia High takes audience back in time with spring dance show
Remember a time when people weren’t consumed by their smartphones? Benicia High School’s performing arts department will take audiences back to such a time period— several of them, in fact— for its advanced dance show “Scrolling Through Time,” which opens tonight. The dance show— which combines the talents of Benicia High’s drama, dance and other […]
A Different Drummer: Too much too often
It’s unfortunate that all these cool geeky music intercom internet-of-things voice-activated intelligent assistant wireless integrated home gewgaw gadgets have come along just about the time that I don’t give a rat’s patootie. After 30 years as a computer teacher on top of budding trends, I’m now retired and putting puzzles together on a felt table. […]
Mrs. B’s Blather: When it comes to technology, resistance is futile
How can you maintain your resistance to new technology? It is time for me to reveal the truth. I proudly resisted moving along on the technology bandwagon. Perfectly happy I was, with my HP PC and my flip top phone. I spent many years clicking away with my text alphabet: Two taps for B, three […]
Library exhibit encourages viewers to go off the grid
Whether it is sending text messages, browsing social media or catching Pokemon, it is no secret that people these days are glued to their phones and their laptops, rather than spending that same time interacting with others. What if those same users were to refrain from using technology for a period of time and […]
UC Davis-sponsored camp teaches Benicia Middle School girls about importance of computing, tech and more
Education plays a big role in determining students’ futures. As they move through their schooling, students take at least one class that inspires them to enter that field or influences what they want to do with their lives. Additionally, as technology becomes more omnipresent, more career opportunities open up for everybody. Therefore, it has […]
Matt Talbot: The perils of utopianism
I’VE BEEN ENJOYING A NEW SERIES ON HBO, “Silicon Valley.” It is produced by Mike Judge, the man who made the 1999 cult hit “Office Space.” A running gag on the show is the conceit among the titans of tech that their inventions are “making the world a better place.” This idea ought to resonate […]
A Different Drummer: Old dogs, new tricks
OLD PEOPLE BEWARE. The day may come where you will have to purchase a new television or new car. Then, if you’re not a technology wonk, expect to have your world turned upside down and lose tufts of precious hair above each ear from the grasping and the pulling. I’ve written about my new television […]