There has been so much talk about A.I. We’re talking about artificial intelligence. What exactly is it, what is its purpose? It’s a bit perplexing; some seem to know more about it than others. It’s the talk everywhere, among students, corporate officials, gym patrons, and last but not least, at home.
Let’s take a look at who’s engaged in conversation about it. I hear there’s a lot of talk about it at Shady Palms Leisure Retirement Community. A place where upscale living is desired, but provides its residents with just the bare essentials. Shady Palms fosters an engaging and active community with planned social and recreational activities. One of the favorite amenities is Social Connections where neighbors can meet neighbors and talk just about anything. Sam and Helen Nelson are friends with their next-door neighbors, Abe and Doris Smith. They check in with each other daily, even if it’s just a friendly hello or a minimal chat about everyday occurrences or concerns. They are good neighbors and helpful when needed.
Sam enjoys his morning with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and his toasted bread spread with strawberry jam and sprinkled with cinnamon. Two important appliances are his vintage electric coffee pot and toaster. Sam is particularly fond of his old stainless steel two-slot toaster. A pass down from his Mom who served him toast every morning as a youngster.
Sam gives a call to his neighbor, Abe. “Mornin’ Abe, I can’t seem to fix my toaster. It’s part of my morning routine. I perk my coffee, then pop my toast. Can you help me out? That’s all I need.” Abe to Sam, “Be right over, should be an easy fix, no need to fray your nerves.”
“Come on in Abe, the toaster is on the countertop in the kitchen. Right this way.” They walk through an open area, then into the kitchen. “What an upscale kitchen. So state of the art,” said Abe as his eyes scanned the appliances and decor in amazement. “Yes, it is state-of-the-art, and I don’t know how to use it. Helen said she needed an update, was tired of living a mundane life, and wanted something to give her life purpose. She said it makes her feel brand new. A new woman with purpose. I don’t understand it, but she is just enthralled with it.”
“Here it is, see, it’s not working.” ” Show, me, Sam, show me, demonstrate.” “It’s not working. It won’t do anything. Sometimes it pops up, sometimes it stays down.” “Sounds normal to me, that’s what toasters do, pops up, stays down, pops up again,” said Abe. “When I press this lever, the bread goes down into the slots, but it stays down and my toast gets charred.” “Not good, Sam, not good. I see there’s a sliding lever at the bottom with a panel marked from light brown to dark brown. Have you adjusted it lately?” “No, Abe, see it’s set in the middle so it doesn’t toast too light or too dark, but just right.” “Hmm, I understand. What makes the toast pop up and stay down?” said Abe. Sam replies, “I think it has a spring mechanism. When you press down the spring, the toaster toasts the bread. When it’s done, it pops up, simple.” “Sam, I think you’re onto something. It stays down, and your toast gets burnt. The question is, why is the spring not releasing the toasted bread?” Could the bread be causing the malfunction?”
“You know, Abe, there’s a tray underneath that catches loose crumbs from the toast. Haven’t checked it lately. Let’s see.” Sam pulls out a tray full of crumbs and says, “That might be a clue to the problem.” Abe suggests, “Unplug the toaster, get a flashlight, and let’s take a look inside.” Sam shines the light into the toaster slots and discovers what appears to be crumbs resting on the heating coils. Abe locates the section in the toaster operation manual. Looking at the index, finds troubleshooting and reads aloud to Sam, “Removal of debris inside toaster. Caution: Ensure that the toaster is unplugged before removing debris. Clean crumbs from the tray. Reinstall the tray. Turn the toaster over and gently shake to release loose bread crumbs.” Sam followed instructions, and the remaining lodged crumbs dropped out. Plugged back in, inserted two slices of bread, pressed the lever, bread toasted, and the spring action pops up with perfectly toasted bread.
Abe to Sam, “Your kitchen is really impressive. You said you don’t know how to use it.” “Helen, calls it her smart kitchen. It does everything, all A.I. controlled. She gave me an instruction manual. It has two sections, Artificial Intelligence For Dummies and Artificial Intelligence For The Sophisticated. She suggested that I read A.I. for Dummies first and, as I progress, move up to A.I. for the Sophisticated.”
Abe to Sam, “You know, whenever some new trend or state-of-the-art technology emerges, many are fascinated by it, so am I, but after a while, it loses its novelty and normalcy returns until the next new trend or gadget comes along. But we have a choice, you can go with the change or remain content with wherever you are in life.”
“She knows I prefer to have our life remain simple and not sophisticated. Like my toaster, it’s simple to use and gives me much satisfaction. As I said, it’s part of my morning routine. It makes my day. I don’t need a sophisticated life. I’m happy and content and wouldn’t have it any other way. Maybe Helen will return to her authentic self. I know she will. She’s enjoying her euphoria over her new state-of-the-art kitchen, and that’s okay. She has purpose now, whatever that is.” Both Abe and Sam laugh.
“Now, Sam, back to your toaster. It seems to give you a purposeful life, one of simplicity and contentment. I prefer that too.” “You’re right, Abe, it does give me purpose. My old percolator still percolates and my old toaster still toasts. It may seem mundane, but it makes my day and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Copyright 2025 Frank Clark