Delighting in Modern Innovations

This narrative celebrates the marvels that technology has brought into my life, particularly the time-saving devices and the rapid expansion of the tech sector—especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and its numerous implications.

When I adopted pets, there was no dedicated pet industry. We fed them basic cuts of meat, and our cats thrived on cow's milk without any apparent health issues. They lived long lives, with minimal veterinary care and no fancy toys; they created their own entertainment using trees and fences.

As technology evolved, so did the pet industry. According to ChatGPT, “The global pet market reached approximately $202 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $375 billion by 2027 at a 9.5% CAGR.” In just over a year, I have invested around $NZ3000 (about $UA1,900) in veterinary expenses, toys, premium cat food, and microchipping for my two beloved cats, Ziggy and Dave.

Reflecting on my early career in journalism, I recall using a cumbersome Remington typewriter where I had to manually correct mistakes. The absence of whiteout made each error a challenge. Fast forward to today, I can edit and publish my own work with a few simple clicks. A few years ago, I self-published a book by merely uploading a Word document and pressing the publish button.

First Camera Experience

My journey with photography began with a camera I could scarcely afford to use due to the cost of film and processing. It wasn't until I acquired a digital camera in the '90s that I truly appreciated the convenience of instant photo-taking, although transferring images to my computer was still a cumbersome task.

As a child, I was often lost in a set of encyclopedias, driven by curiosity that sometimes frustrated my mother, who would urge me to “look it up in Britannica.” This curiosity later served me well in journalism, where I developed strong relationships with librarians at newspapers, and the internet became a treasure trove of knowledge at my fingertips.

Today, I find myself captivated by ChatGPT, although I sometimes find the headlines it generates to be rather uninspired. As a former sub-editor, crafting headlines was a delightful challenge, and now writing my own is a different endeavor, often more subjective than I’d like.

A Journey Through Automobiles

The car I drive now, a nine-year-old Lexus Hybrid, is worlds apart from my first vehicle, which I purchased for $NZ400 in 1975 (equivalent to $NZ2,200 or US $1,400 today). That first car, a Vauxhall Viva, was basic and lacked power steering, making it a challenge to navigate. In contrast, the Lexus offers a smooth driving experience with air conditioning and a Bluetooth sound system that I relish on long drives.

I have always been enthusiastic about fitness and appreciate how gym equipment now monitors my heart rate. I look forward to advancements that will further motivate me to push my limits.

The greatest tech marvel of all, however, is undoubtedly the smartphone. In our youth, we spent endless hours conversing on landline phones, even indulging in prank calls. I fondly remember the thrill of calling a boy I had a crush on for the first time, an experience that ignited a sweet, albeit innocent, romance that continued through letters.

The joys of handwritten letters are a thing of the past; today, we communicate differently.

Thank you for reading.

Here’s my website.

Here’s my E-book novel, Addicted to Love.