Malcolm Gladwell, in his popular new book “The Tipping Point,” claims there is a
“moment of critical mass,” “a boiling point” that causes things to happen, to
take off, become popular and successful.
It has occurred to me lately,
when I have taken the opportunity to replace several older pieces of equipment,
that there is another kind of tipping point.
That is the point beyond
which so called improvements become liabilities — at least for that segment of
the population without “technocrat” degrees. Since many of my home office
machines were of an advanced age, I felt it made sense to upgrade for my new
home office.
I was accustomed to and dependent upon my 13-year-old Panasonic answering/fax
machine. Disappointed that Staples no longer carried it, I called Panasonic and
after finally reaching a live person, was able to order the new, improved
version.
When it arrived, not only was the new, improved version twice as
large, it now also featured a printer, a scanner and additional features I did
not need. I was not able to figure out the most important function for me —
answering my phone when I am not at home — as there were no printed
instructions; only a computer disc, and my new home computer is not yet set
up.
I am using my old computer at the office. Once I have the new
computer set up and master all its various, new idiosyncrasies, maybe I will be
able to play the answering machine disc and figure out how that
works.
Although I do appreciate some of the new features on my recently
purchased Honda CRV, I miss all the wonderful tapes I can no longer play. I
loved driving along to Judy Garland in concert at the Palace or joining Old Blue
Eyes in singing “Come Fly with Me.”
By the time I am able to replace them
or convert them, undoubtedly something new and improved will be in vogue. I also
had taped many interesting television specials; now, only my old television is
capable of replaying them.
Even something as seemingly simple as finding
a favorite food at the supermarket can present a challenge. The peanut butter I
have loved since childhood has been “fortified and improved,” plain bottled
water is newly presented as a “power-packed energy drink.” And while
manufacturers may think we haven’t noticed, it is obvious: We are paying more
for reduced sizes of most foods.
Perhaps thinking about “new and improved” and how fast the world seems to be changing made me nostalgic for a different age, but finally I did get to visit the Yale Center for British Art and its “Edwardian Opulence: British Art at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century” exhibit. What a fabulous collection of paintings, ball gowns, jewelry and accessories from the early 1900s.
The collection and presentation would do credit to a major New York City museum. I apologize that I did not get to the exhibit sooner in order to alert and encourage readers to go. Your last chance is today from noon to 5 p.m. Try to go; I promise, it is most worthwhile.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
