At Best Day, I usually facilitate the workshops alongside Neha and
Hannah, but both of them had gotten a little busier lately and can't
make every workshop. Fortunately, my friend Kara said she had some free
time and wanted to see what The Best Day of My Life So Far was all
about.
Turns out, Kara picked the perfect day
to come in. The class was packed, with nine older buds and one extra
volunteer, and we took up the entire table! She wrote for Joe (which is
always a treat), heard everything the older buds wrote that day, and
even stayed for our usual friendly post-reading discussion. This week,
I've asked Kara to write about her experience at Best Day, and I'm
posting the story she transcribed for Joe as well.
Kara Naklicki
07.31.17
A Great Day at Best Day
Last
Thursday I had the pleasure of joining Caitlin at the Philadelphia
Senior Center for Best Day of My Life So Far. I know she had been
volunteering there for years, but I was finally able to see what it was
all about. I had a great time! We got there early to set up, and she
showed me around. We weren't sure about the turn out as the weather had
been acting up a lot that week, but thankfully that wasn't a problem. We
had a full group in, all ready to write and chat. I helped Joe write
down an essay on his thoughts about artificial intelligence. It was
great to have a conversation with him and hear his perspective. Caitlin
helped a few others with their stories, and then it was time for
everyone to read and listen. I loved all the different stories. Each
person wrote about something personal to them, including memories of
family, the effects of global warming, tales of a silly cat, and
upcoming vacations. Everyone gave feedback and had conversations about
the different subjects, and before we knew it time was up. I could see
that everyone enjoyed writing and sharing with each other, and it was
clear that this program was a huge success. I look forward to coming
back and hearing more great stories and developing new friendships with
everyone. It was a wonderful experience!
Joe Garrison
7.27.2017
A.I.
We all marvel at new technology, but how much do we want done for us?
Years ago, I wrote a story titled, “With Folded Hands.” It was a sci-fi story about a very advanced technological society. Humans had no function because robots would cook, clean, and babysit their children. There was a humanoid factory. We are getting closer to this future.
From “smart” phones, “smart” robots doing surgery, everything is automated or tech-based. It makes us question things like religion. I’m not afraid of admitting it. We’ve created a technoGod. People can’t live without machines. I saw a commercial about a restaurant where the waitress said, “the people care more about wi-fi than forks and knives.” We need a wi-fi free zone.
Technology has killed social interaction. It’s a sad commentary on human existence. I wonder in the future if our species will even have a function because machines have taken over.
Technology has a built-in blessing or a curse. No one thinks there is a downside. Phones are toys, not used properly. Everything is a gadget. Face to face human interaction is important!
People seem sicker because they are not exercising. Kids want to play videogames, not sports. We’re not utilizing our bodies.
Curated by Caitlin Cieri