Reflections of the authors, Colin, Qaalfa and Steven …

Abstract

We remember:

• ■ when Colin’s wife Lorraine said, “Why would I want to have a mobile phone or use email?”

• ■ when mobile phones were so small they could fit in an attaché case

• ■ when the remote control was the kids!

• ■ when lemonade soda was delivered to your front door

• ■ using a payphone

• ■ when no car had air conditioning

• ■ not having the internet

• ■ not having a computer at home or at work

• ■ photocopying memos to share with the team

• ■ being in the queue in the 1970s when the first McDonald’s opened in London, England

• ■ when supermarkets were a new concept

• ■ typing pools at work

• ■ when there was no such thing as political correctness

• ■ when kids played in the street

• ■ when the insurance man used to collect your money from your house

• ■ black and white television

• ■ when you didn’t have to wear seat belts in a car

• ■ when writing a check made out to yourself was the only way to get cash from the bank

• ■ when it was a big deal that a calculator didn’t require batteries — solar power had arrived

• ■ when music portability went from vinyl 45s to eight-track to cassette tapes to CDs

• ■ when you bought an extra-long cord for the phone so you could speak with some privacy in the other room.