The family of four finally finished ordering their Chinese food at Panda Express. The misunderstandings were cleared up. The unique specific questions had also been answered and all the subtle nuances to their order were eventually understood, although frankly, I did not believe I would live to see the day.  I have no idea how much time past as the rest of us stood helplessly in line wondering what a Subway sandwich might taste like about now.  All indicators suggested this family was planning a long, extended stay. Had they set up a tent with a Coleman lantern, I would not have been surprised. But again, all good things must come to an end and yes, the order was finally completed.

Then the Panda cash register stopped working; some kind of computer glitch. Another twenty minutes passed as the frantic looking cashier called tech support. There were no back up ledgers or pocket calculators. Neither would they allow me to simply place my cash on the counter. This is because our computer age has made everything so incredibly convenient for everybody. I had long since ordered and already had my food in front of me before the tasty traditions of the ancient Orient went off line.  Under most circumstances, I would have just left. What kept me in there? Orange Chicken and Sweet Fire Chicken Breast.

I have also seen people call computer savvy technicians  because their TV’s would not turn on. How does a television not turn on? Simple!  It goes off line. Back in those archaic days of early television, we were too primitive for computers. Dummies like me merely turned a knob and the set actually lit up. Go figure. We did not have to get on the phone to India so that some stranger could talk us through the steps of bringing up the local news.

Please understand:  I have nothing against computers. As a writer, I use my lap top constantly. But it is a bit disconcerting to not have back up plans.  Computers, after all, have found their way into practically every corner of life. I have seen prerecorded segments of my radio show fail to play because the computer froze. I have seen lights in a stage musical  refuse to go off on cue because (you guessed it) these lighting boards are all run by computer now.

Someday toasters will go off line. So will ovens that bake Thanksgiving dinners. On that day, (since the title will be appropriate) just be thankful that we live in such modern, sophisticated times. Then again, you may appreciate that the Pilgrims were able to enjoy their first Thanksgiving dinner precisely because the Mayflower had no PCs on board.

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