April 19, 2019 by Mary Kay Fleming · Arts & Culture

Smart Appliances Have Me Wondering: How Long Before I’m Outwitted by a Toaster?

Smart appliances have Mary Kay Jordan Fleming feeling a little, well, dumb. Here, she takes a look at whether tech is simplifying or complicating our lives.

Have you been shopping for appliances lately? Our society has reached a tipping point where almost every new electrical houseware is equipped with “smart technology.” I’m not even sure what that phrase means, but I’m not spoiling for an intellectual showdown with my appliances.

The signs of technological challenge have been on the wall, literally hanging on our wall, for a decade. A new thermostat sporting 11 different functions was installed with our furnace many years ago. We have no clue about most of them, so we adjust the temperature manually each day using the only two buttons we understand. We avoid the one labeled END, which, for all we know, might trigger the Rapture.

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Yes, Jen Sincero is an Actual Badass In Person

She wrote the book on how to live your life boldly, and in Santa Fe, 14 NextTribers had the chance to hear Jen Sincero’s blunt, sassy words of wisdom.

When your kid leaves for college, it’s not the end of anything. It’s the beginning of a long, tortured process that may or may not lead to an empty nest.

Or maybe it was pheromones. Or a birthday wish granted. Still, sometimes the planets align and the world sees you differently. As you feel inside.

We raise our glass to the Veuve Clicquot widow, the first modern businesswoman who gave us champagne and launched countless celebrations.

« 6 Places to Take a Break from Tech with a Digital Detox

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