Life Without Microprocessors Is Hard To Imagine

Let's review what I've done so far today that involved a device that uses a microprocessor:

1. Woke to the alarm on my iPhone
2. Coffee pot turned itself on
3. Started a load of laundry
4. Drove to work
5. Reset the thermostat in my office
6. Sent/received dozens of emails (some on my computer, some on my phone)
7. Used two different computers to do work (Internet, office apps)
8. Made some calls on my work mobile phone
9. Made some calls on my personal mobile phone
10. Posted on my blog
11. Converted some files for a student
12. Played a game on my phone (had to feed my Scramble addiction)
13. Heated my lunch in the microwave
14. Listened to music on Sirius satellite
15. Texted my kids
16. Changed some airline reservations online

I'm sure I am missing some but you get the idea. And it's only 3:30pm. I still have to get home, cook dinner, run the dishwasher, maybe watch the news on TV and attend an Elluminate.

Now imagine my day without microprocessors...

1. Over slept because I forgot to wind the alarm clock (or power went out)
2. No coffee?! I'm in trouble.
3. Car won't start which is OK because I don't know where I would go to "work" since my virtual school doesn't exist!
4. No email - I'll have to type up my reports and send them via "snail mail" (hope the mailman hasn't come yet)
5. Made a lot of phone calls
6. No texts, no cell phones, no idea where my kids are or what they are doing after school

Again - you get the idea. There is no doubt that the microprocessor has infiltrated our lives to a greater extent than many of us would like to admit. What would happen if all the microprocessors stopped working or were taken over by some sinister force? I honestly don't know. Let's hope it never comes to that.