Space-age technology gives me a headache

 Over the past few years I’ve struggled with  my old computer. Actually when I look back I’ve struggled with lots of things in this changing world. It appears fast-pace changes are moving past a guy who is geared for slow speed.
   For example, my computer is approximately 10 years old with outdated software  while my up-to-date “Betterhalf” has a one-year-old computer with no buzzes and whistles, but customized dings and shortcut programs. Right in our own household it has become most evident the world is passing me. 
I’ve tried to avoid the reality, but every morning I receive a slap in the face when I push the wrong buttons to cook my Microwave oatmeal. The Betterhalf  had observed my technique and asked me why I didn’t just push the  minutes’ button instead of programing all the individual seconds that required three or more button pokes. There’s still more.
When I’m in my friendly old model auto the radio simply responds to my touching one or two buttons -- the FM or AM -- and it correctly responds. The same goes with A/C or heat guides going from blue to red. Windshield wipers have less than five choices. Our Betterhalf’s newer auto houses a hands-off “amusement center” I know longer touch. The last time I attempted to push one button for easy listening, I eventually ended up at the dealership with the salesman giving me lessons  how the accessory could also take phone calls; had more than AM-FM-Sirus stations and even displayed  a complicated climate control system  plus more. The salesman was very polite and patient. Unfortunately my ability to remember it all was limited.
Why has this all technology subject made its way into this column? The flight and landing of the space capsule this past week brought it about.  
 After watching the pinpoint landing of the booster rocket I related to the Betterhalf just how amazing all the technology and engineering skills required to create that moment in history. The Betterhalf  laughed and said, “Yes, because I even have trouble getting my phone in its recharging cradle!” 
We recall a statement that said years ago, “Man isn’t so smart. Thousands of years before he began having afternoon headaches trying to think, the turtle had a streamed-lined body, turret-top, retractable landing gear and a portable house.”
Thank goodness I may not be very smart, but many people are  . . . and I hope I still walk faster than a turtle.

RL Furse  is publisher emeritus of the News-Register