Memories of the Microwave Oven

Recently on Radio 2 (here in the UK), Sara Cox talked about her memories of the microwave oven, in particular, when she first used one and could make a baked potato in 2 minutes exclaiming to herself ‘what a time to be alive!’ Yes, that was a great time to be alive but technology has continued its relentless march way beyond electronic ovens. I remember watching old shows like the original Star Trek series when I was much younger and marvelling at the technology there’d be in the future, never for one moment actually believing it would be within my reach only a quarter of a century or so later. For example, pocket-sized communicators are now in all our pockets and we don’t even consider the technology at work when we use them. Speak to anyone, anywhere in the world, at any time (provided their awake and their phone isn’t on silent) or browse the sum of all the worlds knowledge from the bus stop on the way back from the pub – it’s up to you. I remember when I was young, if you had a difficult question, there was virtually no way to find out the answer. Not even in a library! Now I simply ask Google and I get my answer (usually) in seconds.

Another one of the amazing pieces of technology we’re all so used to these days are tablet computers. Not so long ago, no one would’ve believed that they’d be so ubiquitous and available to anyone, but they are now. In fact, screen technology is now everywhere, mainly thanks to LED technology. Dynamic LED screens can now be found everywhere from takeaway menus and road signs to advertising hoardings. The adverts around the pitch at big league football matches can be remotely controlled and food menus can automatically update themselves when breakfast service finishes. This really is an amazing time to be alive!