Modern Day Penny Candy

Twelve root beer barrels, twenty red Swedish fish, and six pieces of double bubble, three jawbreakers, two bubble gum cigarettes, and a strip of candy buttons: This was my typical order at the local corner store on my way home from school. I did not have a lot of money, but a few nickels and dimes were enough to bring me quick satisfaction at a low cost.

I recently had this same feeling while shopping in Apple’s application store. Everything is priced to sell quickly to capitalize on impulsive shopping and the human urge to want something for nothing or close to nothing. So far, I have only downloaded free applications. Even with free, there is a cost: Time.

In the time it took me to select and download four different list makers, I could have crossed off three to four actual items on a real to-do list written on paper. I could have watched three movies during the time I spent on the Moviefone app., and I probably could have flown to New York, toured the MoMA and flew home during the time I was lost in the museum’s wonderfully textured and detailed free application.

So although sticky notes for the iPhone are not as delectable as Necco wafers, the penny candy of the 21st Century is just as sweet as the original but gentler on the waistline and teeth.

Could Be Technology Overkill

Seventy-six unread text messages. No contacts in the address book. Voicemail never set-up. Personal cell phone number not memorized and never given to anybody but my husband. This was the state of my $25 GO Phone when I retired it in favor of an iPhone 4, which was a thoughtful gift from my husband.

Four weeks later, no contacts in my address book. Personal cell phone number not memorized and only given to my husband. Five calls made, all to my husband. Seven calls received all from my husband with the exception of a lady looking for Jim.

But no complaints, I now can check Facebook at stoplights, send email at my daughter’s soccer practice, have yet another place to store Prince music and am ready to take candid pictures at all times. And, if there  is ever an emergency, I might even be able to make a phone call.