Appreciating Inventions

During my lifetime many inventions have made life easier and more enjoyable. I would like to reflect on eight that are the most significant to me. When I was a boy, the first sounds I heard on a cold morning were those made by my dad in sifting the cinders in the furnace in the basement. To get the coal fire going he had to make several trips to the basement. I often reflect on this when I awaken on a cold morning and warm the house by taking a few steps and pushing a button on a thermostat connected to our gas furnace. Although the automobile was invented before I was born, ownershp was not common when I was very young, and my family did not have a car during most of my youth. Being able to drive a car, instead of walking or being horse-drawn, is pure luxury. The other six products of special significance to me: the radio, the ball point pen, television, air conditioning, the computer and the cell phone. As I use these innovative products today and in the future, I plan to reflect on how wonderful they are.