Defining The Enormous Generation Gaps In Michigan

Have you ever asked someone younger than you to do something that is out of there comfort zone? Perhaps you asked your neighbor, who is 25, if you could use their fax machine. If you did, odds are they looked at you like you were crazy.

For the record, fax machines still exist and faxes are still sent. In the immortal words of Jim Rome, "here's another fax". I'm old school, I write checks and balance my checkbook. I know that it sounds like I'm 80 years old, I'm a big fan of "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I can adapt with change.

I'd like to consider myself a good parent that educates my kids about things that were used in the past, knowledge is power. My dad and grandpa were great at that with me as I grew up. I have two boys at home, they are ages 10 & 14. They have good ethics, are respectful and are all about technology. Whenever I need help with my iPhone I go straight to them to get answers.

I think it's time that I pop this quiz on them at home.

With the innovation of technology, every generation changes. Our grandparents or great grandparents witnessed the beginning of television, the idiot box and cars. They also saw the evolution of space flight, rock n roll guitars and fast cars. My generation saw the evolution of the internet and Hot Pockets. It's unreal how fast time goes by and I've learned that you gotta keep up with the times.

Try this with your kids or your parents. It could be a fun way to have some laughs.

Have You Ever ???

Dialed a rotary phone?

My kids think they were toys for me when I was a kid growing up. I told them the stories of having to dial a long distance phone number with all my might.

Taken a picture with a camera that uses film?

I grew up with a darkroom in our home. My dad's trade was and still is photography. My kids know about film because grandpa tells them all about it.

Sprayed Gumout into a carburetor?

I love the smell of Gumout. Carba what? Can I eat Gumout? No, absolutely not, you'll die. All common questions and responses.

Written a check?

I still write checks and balance the ol checkbook. My kids think I'm old.

Recorded music to a cassette from the radio?

I had a few cassettes at home and the kids thought they were objects to throw, they also fell in love with unraveling the tape. I broke out some pencils and schooled them on how to fix the problem. Recording music onto cassette from the radio was the first Napster.

Used a floppy disc?

Floppy is just a funny word in general. My kids said, "yeah, we were throwing them at the target on the tree!". Grandparents and certainly great grandparents might be unfamiliar and think you're making up words. I hope I didn't have any old TPS reports on those discs.

Used a phone book?

Teach those, that don't know, about phone books. In the event that you need one and if you can actually find one, it will helpful to know how to use it. It can also help put you to sleep.

Made a phone call on a payphone?

I used to carry a quarter with me everywhere I went, per my mom's orders. If I needed to make a phone call at a payphone I was prepared. If it was an emergency though I was pretty much screwed.

Read an encyclopedia?

I spent a lot of hours at the library doing papers for school, citing my sources and using these magical books of wisdom. Thanks internet for taking the fun out of the hard work that the kids have to do.

Chased down an ice cream truck?

I haven't seen an ice cream truck in Lansing or Meridian Township in years. It's not the kids' fault that they don't see them in neighborhoods. The kids could use the thrill of running inside the house to gather up their change and cash, hopping on their bikes and riding as fast as they can to catch up to the music in the distance, around the corner. The good ol days.