In the 21st Century, there was the "new: Technology.....Tablets which is not the same as PADDs from Star Trek.
The people that designed this prop, Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda and Doug  Drexler had  great imaginations. The idea of telling a story of what was going on in any scene with a PADD, this prop was its own character.
Did the viewers of Star Trek want to see what was on that PADD,I know i did. As a kid, I would record an episode and stop and look at the PADD but could not read what was on the screen.....my eyes are paying for that experiment from doing so with the VCR machine now.... :/
You know, today's engineers may have watched Star Trek and knew they could invent a PADD.
Now I can say I have a PADDs, just like Captain Janeway. :)
This is a standard Star Trek Voyager PADD:

 




And now we have mobile tablets!

 I purchased a Google Nexus 7  Tablet last year. It was a fun toy. I tried to read a E book once, once was enough. Holding the tablet while reclining in bed was too much, I kept dropping it on my lap or on my cat      (who would conveniently lay underneath the tablet as like the cat is reading along with me or just trying to suck off the heat the tablet generated).
The Google Nexus7 for me, has been relegated to video games and surfing the internet.
I enjoying holding a hardcover and paperbacks books. The tactile feel of the pages, the smell of a book when open, is the best feeling i have when reading as well as getting lost in the story or learning something new. Yes, I do have a library card...I am one among the few that still have them.
I might give the Nexus 7 another try, i might :/


This is the last post in this series of Star Trek Props into the reality of the 21st Century.

In the 21st Century, Are we ready or evolved enough to handle a Star Trek-isk Bio-Matter Resequencer or in laymen terms a Replicator.

We have 3-d printers that can print chocolate on a cookie (youtube video). This was presented to NASA by Systems & Materials Research Cooperation, which won them a $125,000 grant to produce a pizza for astronauts (cited from universitytoday,com).

 What a great invention. Producing food for NASA and possible producing habitats for man kind on other planets and moons in the future.

SMRC’s prototype 3D food printer will be based on open-source hardware from the RepRap project.RepRap (cited from Quartz, Christopher Mims)

Malphin (UK Company) will be the first company to sell a home use 3D printer for $1100.00, we too, could have a home based 3D printer, granted the printer will be in a kit form and takes only 10 hours to assemble and the item you want to print has to under the size of 8 inches or 20cm. Not sure what that could be, use your imagination i suppose.

If 3d printers are the way of the future, what will happen to man kind? Will we live to work to eat to survive..would this technology put the average farmer out of business? Would we, man kind, lose the will to survive to forage for food if this technology was to replace our food sources? Would we become lazy and a non-producing/productive society? I think not. This would open up so many possibilities of evolving our creativity, artistry, possibly lead us to the ever out of reach Utopia. Is man kind ready for this? Possibly.

3D printing of food is a great use of today's thinking...can we use this technology to recycle all of the consumed trash? How far away is this technology? As we consume more products the less land fills we have on this planet. Would not it be a better use for recycling trash into new products?

 I would LOVE a food replicator in my kitchen. The time it takes to make a meal could be used for other activities, for instance, write a blog about my joining of the 21st Century :)

 Tomorrow's post will be on PADDs ( Tablets for us non Star Trek people)

In the 21st Century, Where are we with technology?
There will be multiple posts pertaining to Star Trek Tech starting with the original tv Star Trek show through all of the franchises of Star Trek and how we enjoy their usage in today's life.
I am not a true Trekkie, but a fan of Star Trek.
Gene Roddenberry's imagination intrigued many youths to encapsulate his props and bring them into reality.
I am not speaking of mobile phones (MTS, IMTS, RCC,) only of Digital Cells. There are many articles and write up on these devices.
What i am writing about is the "second generation" of mobile phones .Below is my take on this matter:

Star Trek Communicators :
  From the original television show, each crew member had handheld communicators, as the franchise matured with each decade of the series, the communicators were no longer handheld but worn on their uniforms.
With Gene Roddenberry's imagination are we using "his" vision of communication in the form of cell phones?
The Engineers of the mid to late 20th century to now have taken Gene's ideas and expanded on them. We have handheld devices that are computers. We are encouraged to do more on these devices daily. These devices are capable of reaching out to others around the world via, calls, text and social media. We use these devices to report and record daily events. We check emails, bank accounts,search for information and play video games. I never thought any of the props from Star Trek would be part of my life ( that is why i am NOT an engineer, do not have the knowledge nor the know how). The idea of contacting a person somewhere else in the world via a cell phone was and is mid blowing to me.













 How in the 21st century, i have come to LOVE my cell and all that has changed about me and my daily life since joining this century. I can no longer leave my cell at home or go without checking it every 3 to 5 seconds or reach for my digital camera, i must use the camera in my cell. I even gave my cell a name (not giving out her name), seriously, what is wrong with me :/ I am surprised i have not taken my cell into the shower with me so that i would not miss any incoming texts, call or whatever......If i could make my cell waterproof, that would make me deliriously happy :)
What i have not done is to ignore my family, friends and society because of my "new" addiction. But my world has been opened, I no longer have to travel to the far ends of the earth to learn about history, cultures or rituals.I learn all of this from my cell. Does this make me a hermit, NO, well,  maybe to a point, okay, i am a wiser hermit :)
 I have been to functions, restaurants, movies, even at a park, where many of the people are looking at their cells and is not engaging with the person with them or all parties in their group are looking down at their mobiles....This is worrisome to me.....is our society becoming so intrigued with today's technology, it has become easier to deal with human emotions/interactions through a cell?
I have heard of people, breaking up with their boyfriends/girlfriends through texts...seriously? Have we become a society unable to deal with emotions from other human beings when they are in pain, happy, sad, etc.?
In my post about losing a friendship of 20+ years, was my one and only ending via a text....not so good feelings......I enjoy interacting with other humans, i can read their facial expression, eyes movements and body language much easier than through a cell. you can only put some many LOL's, smiley faces and emoticons in text and email and still not know that person emotion, truly.

Have we taken Gene's ideas of communicators and ruin our society? Or, have we evolved into a society of non engaging people?
Next post will continue tomorrow: Replicators (food and materials)

In the 21st Century, I am working on an 20th Century Jeep

A 95YJ with 108212 miles.

Have to replace the radiator before she hits the road! I purchased this Jeep April 1996. She, Alice, as she is known to me, is a simple YJ...I miss driving her daily but with 17 year old parts, well, JEEP stands for:
Just Empty Every Pocket...That is the case now..replaced the rear axle( Ford 8.8),  hard and soft brake lines, pullies, belts and now the radiator and hoses......In the future the plans are, leaf springs, exhaust system, seats and Rhino line the interior.
Alice looks great for a 17 year old JEEP!

This post is very hard to write, even in the 21st Century.
How do you recover/overcome from a lose of a friendship of 20+ years?

 Over the course of our friendship, we grew up together, vacation together, had intimated relationships that did not last as long as our friendship.
I have lost a great friend. Someone i could and did confide in, had great fun and adventures with over the years and now this person has decided with the choices they have made everyone including their family was no longer needed only the "NEW" person in their lives would be the only source of interaction. This person at one point, stopped being a parent to their children under the age of 10 years. Those kids, have it far worse than i, trying to understand as to why their parent no longer wanted them, I as an Adult, am at a lose of understanding.
This person made a lifestyle change that effected everyone, I understand people can and will change throughout their lives but not to a point of complete removal of communication, emotions, interactions with all they knew from the time of their birth to now.
The lifestyle this person has chosen to be, does not effect my perception of them only how they chose to move on with their lives at the cost of losing everyone they have known. NO ONE has ever disown this person, when this person made their choice, this person decided to leave us.
I am not jealous, I am hurt, dismayed, in pain,no longer trusting of this person. How can someone dissolve a friendship in this manner? I have never in my adult life treated anyone in this manner, a guy, a friend, a co-worker, family member, no one!
This person never discussed the ending of our friendship, just four words to end our friendship" DO NOT CONTACT ME"
It has taken me months to write this, to speak of this, to think of this, to say it out loud, this person is no longer a friend.....
I can understand ending a friendship if was only a few months old to a year or two but 20+ years.
I catch myself wanting to call, text and email this person, go over to their place to visit or hangout. It is very hard to remove this person from your daily life.The feeling of lose could be compared to having a family member pass away........: (


WOW! Just realized this post could be read as if I was in an intimated relationship with this person but that is not the case. JUST A CLOSE FRIEND!

 I was not able to post this until early this morning after the trip to our local aquarium yesterday.
In the 21st Century...Today's view of the Charleston Harbor, Charleston, South Carolina from a 6 story parking garage.
The building in the center of the photo is the South Carolina Aquarium in Historic Downtown Charleston.
I spent the day in the aquarium with three rambunctious kids, while ALL of the day summer camps in the area brought their kids..It was a sea of colouriful t-shirt wearing munchkins.....:)
The building off to the right of the photo is Luxury Condos....To the left is part of the Port of Charleston, then on the right of the Condos is more of the Port.
Using my 21st Century device is great for photos, Yes, I know the panoramic photo is not the greatest, but the oldest kid decided to take the shot for me, did not realize it was not correct until we return home late in the afternoon, so my lesson to be learn, DO IT MYSELF lesson!

In the 21st Century, I have found myself sleeping with my cell next to my bed. When did that happen? Did the 21st Century decide i have to become attached to this cell 24 hours a day? When did she do this to me?
Does she have plans for me that i do not know of?
I think i have one plot line of her's figured out: My family has become dependent on this cell. They use this cell as a tablet when the main PC is in use....This device is no longer just a cell phone, it has become a part of our daily lives.
Maybe another plot line has been discovered as well: Make us ALL dependent on the 21st Century Technologies...we have toilets that clean your parts after each use, vehicles that recognize the owners...Pc are now capable operating with just a finger print, (this is not to be confused with government computers...you have to give a pint of blood, first born and your spouse to operate those :) ) door locks now voice command, microchip animals ( can we microchip our kids?)

We should no longer worried about George Orwell's 1984 coming into fruition but more like iRobot movie.
We have a robo-vac, robo-lawn mower, robo-dog/cat (ok maybe they are toys but it will happen)
Do not get me wrong, I enjoy the ease of the 21st Century Technologies but do we have to be 80% to 90% dependent on them?

Has these technologies made our lives easier or have they become a burden? Can we leave our homes each day without a cell on us? Can we walk outside without checking the weather? Can we meet knew people without the use of a search engine or social media? Or will the Technologies replace human beings on this planet?

I know people who can not survive without their cell. They have left their home and return within minutes to retrieve their addiction.

 I have left my home without my cell and i survived...but she, the 21st Century, has a trick up her sleeve as soon as i return home, i am looking at the emails, social media and returning texts and calls...so i am really stuck now...she has a tight, firm bear hold on me.
 Just last night this happened:
  Just watched a commercial for a cell provider last night, it showed a famous comedian walking through his office with his cell and charger, he consistently plugging the cell into an outlet to finish a call.....the tag line was no longer have to wait until your contract ends to upgrade your cell now you can upgrade every 6 months.

 Has technology change that much , that we have to upgrade every 6 months? what do we do with the "OLD" technologies, toss into the landfills, more rubbish for the future to excavate and wonder in the 21st Century, we were a disposable society? The last sentence brought a vivid visual to mind.....Wall:E, the movie. Are we heading in that direction?
But there is a light at the end of our disposable society:

 A scientist from the University of Ariz. Dr.Marvin Slepian, develop a new class of small, high-performance electronics that are biodegradable and capable of dissolving completely in water or bodily fluids.The applications which appear most promising for this transient technology are medical implants, consumer electronics and environmental monitors.(cited from PRWeb) 
 LINK: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/prweb10055610.htm

I can imagine the possibilities of this new product. We can live longer with the aid of these biodegradable electronics, which in turn we can purchase more stuff to dispose of.....HA a catch 22 reference, live longer buy more!

In the 21st Century, A woman in Dubai, is arrested after reporting she was raped she was detained and charged with having unlawful sex, making a false statement and illegal consumption of alcohol ( per CNN report).
She was later pardoned as well as the alleged rapist (was charged with public intoxication and with having sex outside of marriage) walks free.(per CNN report)
Why am i blogging about this in the 21st Century, Countries that only recognize Women as property should NOT be allies with Countries that recognizes Women as equals.
I have lived in 2 countries that keep women as property, I have witness the brutality towards Women in these Countries.
Why in the 21st Century is this allowed to continue? Because of Religion........I am NOT against any religion that is for the love, compassion and support of humanity not for the brutality towards ANY human.
In my humble opinion, Christianity is for humanity, Religion is for control of women.

Today in the 21st Century, I am taking the day off from this century's technology and spending the day with family and friends, you know, actually be sociable with other humans.Human interact is the key to survival in the 21st Century.On that note, HAVE A GREAT DAY FREE OF TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY!

In the 21st Century this restaurant has the BEST food around.

This post is late due to the fact i went out last night and return home late...

If you ever have a chance to visit Charleston, South Carolina and want FRESH Seafood, you must try  this restaurant, SEEWEE Restaurant on 4808 U.S. 17 Awendaw, SC 29429  .

http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/charleston-county/awendaw.html/seewee-restaurant

The Hubster and I enjoyed the food and the atmosphere at the restaurant. He had the grouper and i had the shrimp. The seafood is fresh off the boats from Bull's Bay, SC. All foods are made in house per our server last night.

Sometimes it is better to enjoy the SLOW life without the interference of the 21st Century Technologies....Left my cell in the Jeep, but of course , the Hubster had to have his..It is a man thing!

Go enjoy :)
P.S.
For dessert, we had a slice of Caramel Cake, in house made.....O.M.G!!!!! All of the desserts are wonderful!
Had to work out afterwards :)

In the 21st Century, not sure if the county is in such dire need fanicailly, they could only afford to purchase this type of lawn mower or to hire little kids to maintain the grass in this area (Palmetto Commerce Parkway)?

 

I am writing this extra early this morning. I have been awake and going since 3AM. So i decided since i recorded Sharknado, i would sit down and watch. I did not make it through the first hour of the movie........It is beyond chessey that my heart began clogged from watching.
We are in the 21st Century, movies like these are being made? Um....sure......i understand there is an entertaining purpose but for whom????? I get it..cheesy! Is this the "NEW" Dumb and Dumber movie franchise? C.H.E.E.S.E!

This is OLD school but i think it fits more in the 21st Century: (from a friend's facebook page shared from old school parenting facebook ) paraphrasing

 things to teach your daughter

1. How to give a firm handshake.
2. To never wear clothes with something written across the butt.
3. A man will never treat a woman better than he treats his mom. Pay attention to how the guys treat their moms, and run from the ones who aren’t respectful.
4. Look people in the eye when you talk to them.
5. People will judge you by what you say. “I was like, um, totally!” does not qualify as a sentence.
6. People will judge you by what you wear. Show respect for yourself (and see #2).
7. How to change a tire.
8. How to throw a football.
9. Don’t be afraid to use your voice – sometimes it’s the most powerful thing you have.
10. Basic self defense – be able to get out of a situation, and run fast. And use that powerful voice.
11. Teach them how to apologize well, ask for help when needed, and that anger is more harmful to the person who harbors it than to who it’s directed at.
12. What’s in the magazine is photoshopped. Confidence is more attractive than size 2 jeans.
13. Laughter can diffuse many a challenging situation. Especially when you can laugh at yourself.
14. Block out the voices. Not every opinion is worth listening to – listen to the ones that matter, and learn whose opinion you’ll allow to shape your thoughts.
15. Advertising is full of hidden agendas. Don’t fall for it. “Maybe she’s born with it… maybe it’s Maybelline” – really? Maybelline didn’t make her anything she wasn’t born with.
16. How to hit a baseball, throw a punch, and use a compass.
17. How to write a proper thank you letter, and how to type.
18. How to manage her money.
19. Appreciate the little things (and little refers to more than diamonds and pearls).
20. Read often and much. Read works of classic and contemporary literature, fiction and nonfiction.
21. Walk in someone else’s shoes.
22. Listen well, both for what’s being said, and for what’s being omitted.
23. Dream big, and set realistic goals. You can accomplish more than you think you can.
24. Girls can do most things as well as boys can, in general. But know your personal limits, what your own strengths and weaknesses are. Once you know them you can use them to your advantage.
25. Most things worth having or worth doing require sacrifice. Know what you’re willing to sacrifice, and for what.
26. No regrets. Learn from the past, but don’t dwell on what could have been.
27. Just because it’s never been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Push the limits.
28. Basic sewing skills.
29. How to handle herself online – using good privacy, remembering that anything shared can go viral (including pictures in poor taste), and knowing that people online aren’t always who they say they are.
30. Trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Listen to that voice, and don’t silence it.

Since we are in the 21st Century with new and improved technologies, where is the button in the kitchen that automatically makes food? I mean, come on.....we have cars that you do not need a key start the engines, recognizes you when you are near, automatic doors in buildings that open and close when you are near, robots performing surgeries, so, where is the automatic food maker???????
There are days, i do not want to make food to eat, just want to walk into my kitchen and push a button and TADAAA  there is food.....just like on Star Trek with the food replicators...microwaves do not make food just warms it. Especially on emotional mornings like today.......a very good friend of mine told me last night her youngest brother was killed when his truck crashed into a telephone pole after spending a week with her while her husband is recuperating from open heart surgery.....Coffee just is not helping this morning.....Looking for my food button in my kitchen in the 21st Century........:/

I know the title of my blog states I joined the 21st Century kicking and screaming, but i will blog about all things of the 21st century be it good, bad or indifferent to all of mankind from my point of view.
If you see something or want to discuss something or have ideas, that is happening in the 21st Century then do so.

This is one of the first photos i took with my 21st Century Device:

 That is NOT what i would want for breakfast! HA

The title of my blog is based on the fact for years, i had just a cell phone. I just make and received calls and took pictures with my cell. 
I joined the 21st Century kicking and screaming by purchasing a Samsung Note II. I now use it for everything.With this new phone i now use twitter, search the internet, checking my email, text my family and friends. I am now connected almost 24 hours a day. I think everyone is nowadays.
That is the only part of my life that was left in the 20th Century.
I have an up to date pc (well more like multiple pcs, thanks to an IT Geek hubby :)) TV is HD has all the bells and whistles, high speed internet. and the list goes on and on.
But i refused to leave behind the last of the 20th Century with my old cell phone. I enjoyed not looking down at my phone every 3 seconds to see if i received an email or text.
But in March of this year, I had no choice in the matter. See, my old phone died.....So off i went in search for a replacement phone. Little did i know, the 21st Century Technology would slap me in the face with its hand.
I spoke with the sales person and she showed this smartphone and that and this and that.....at the end of the 2 hours of perusing the GIANT DISPLAY OF WHATNOT'S, i chose Samsang Note II. I chose this as my introduction into the 21st Century because the ease of the device.
Had the salesperson call my cell provider, had the number switched over, chose a data plan, and went on my merry way......Who knew i would end up with a 21st Century headache of "OMG what have i done" type of headache......I missed the 20th century, i miss the fact i could go without checking this and that every 3 seconds. But I can not go back to the 20th Century now or ever......
The very first app i installed on my cell was GOGGLE....had to check my emails, while i was sitting the parking lot of the store. I never made it to my house to started the process of  installing of apps, i had to install just one, just one, the 21st Century was laughing her butt off at me, as i sat in my Jeep looking through all the FREE apps available through GOOGLE Play store......I swore i heard her say" I finally got her, yep she is hooked and she will NEVER EVER be able to break free"
It is now July 17th, and i have NOT stopped installing apps.....
UPDATE" July 26 still installing apps on my 21st century device :)