This first wonderful fall long weekend has passed again, so in keeping with the holiday spirit, I thought it timely to list a few pieces of technology to be thankful for this year.
VOIP
I call people from my computer very regularly. Voice over IP (VOIP) has become a standard of communication across generations as more people become accustomed to webcams, plugins and software like Skype that let us keep in touch for free or at least much more cheaply than the long distance calls of recent past.
TiVO / HDTV
What great holiday weekend is without it’s television events? And Thanksgiving is always a guaranteed pleaser for the sports lover in your home. Watch them kick back and watch high-definition programming, while fending off their turkey comas. That or record that event on TiVO (old school) or your new PVR setup so they can socialize a bit more before they zone out completely.
Digital thermometers and timers
I for one am very thankful for the modern thermometer and kitchen timers that let us enjoy our holiday feasts with a much higher likelihood that we will avoid the ever present salmonella in the turkey and mayonnaise or the Staphylococcal that can develop in potato salad that is left out so people can help themselves.
Internet recipes
Thanks to the Internet my family finally brined a whole turkey for the first time a couple of years back. Fluffy sweet potato mash, roasted parsnips and other goodies have followed.
Electric carving knife
This may not be a new invention but it’s still technology, right? The humble electric carving knife has saved many a turkey from becoming a hacked up mess in the years since it’s invention. The sounds will always remind me of Dad slicing up a delectable hunk of holiday yumminess.
Social media
Social media has allowed us to touch base with a much wider circle of people without taking away too many precious moments with our loved ones. Plus, Facebook, Twitter and other media let us share our special moments with our extended Internet capable family.
I hope you and yours had a great holiday weekend. Share your innovative uses of technology for the holiday in the comments.
Jon Reid is an IT professional working in Corner Brook. His column appears every other Tuesday in The Western Star.
Business Man, no one believes a word you say about your "business". Especially since you are uneducated in the most basic of English communication skills. Why waste your keystrokes? Jon, Lets not forget to be thankful for our wide selection of mobile technology that keeps us connected while "on the go" wherever we may be.