2009: Into the new presidency and digital conversion.

So, what’s new for 2009? Two things: a new president for United States and a digital television conversion for the whole of America.

Perhaps, the biggest event of 2009 alongside the new presidency is the digital television conversion. The analog TV has gone extinct with the government’s mandate to switch all broadcasting to digital by February 17, 2009. So far, no protest has been made over this change. Majority of Americans are embracing the digital technology.

In the world that we are living today, we enjoy all the benefits. Like the wonder of the internet, the handiness of mobile communication, and the convenience of ATM machines. We take pleasure in using self-check-outs, the neat personalized ringtones, and the ever-useful remote control. Technology is spectacular. Sometimes we take for granted all the things around us but some twenty years ago we would have never imagined living in this age. We are so well ahead of time now. Change is happening every second. As what the slogan of an insurance company says, life is coming to us fast. All the crdiet goes to technology.

But can we keep up of the rapid change? We live in a fast-paced life that we can’t hold on to things anymore. Our cellular phones and digital cameras will be outmoded by next month and will be replaced by sleeker and smarter models. And so our flat paneled high definition television sets. We can no longer stick to what we have or continue to live without getting affected by technology. Everything is going digital nowadays and it is government mandated as well. Goodbye analog, hello to everything-digital.

Physical labor is history. We are now in the age of push buttons, voice recognition, and keyless entries. And while it really is fantastic not to exert an effort in getting what we need or want, it does not come without a price. Along with all the convenience of this high-tech world comes a generation of obesity and the commercialization of weight reduction. Our bodies are made to work and be active. But with technology, it’s next to impossible not to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Technology has changed the way we live and the way we look. Now, we are slave to diet pills and exercise machines that only bring result if we use them.

Another detriment that is confronting us now is the global warming, the climate change, and the extinction of species. It’s just that we can’t abuse the Earth for what it is. We must do our share by using natural resources conscientiously and minimally.  

The year 2009 is indeed exciting: a new president and more digital tools and gadgets in the making. And with the disadvantages that come along with a highly advanced, technologically sophisticated nation, we rely on the new president to even things out.