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Dear Ruthie,
I’m 58, and feeling completely overwhelmed by today’s technology. Switching my phone to a new provider was a nightmare, and I admit it was largely due to my lack of understanding and human error. My human error.
All of this technology is supposed to make life easier, but I feel like it’s not. Even watching television is a pain nowadays with all sorts of steps and the internet and subscriptions and whatnot. I can’t be the only feeling this way. Is it because I’m just getting too old? Sometimes, I’m very frustrated. Any ideas? What do you think?
Love you,
Fed-Up Fred
Dear Freddy,
I hear ya, big boy! These damn kids gotta stop inventing things! We’re good! Stop creating new technology we have to learn! Needless to say, I get your frustration. Completely.
While it may be hard, it’s important to remember that technology, for the most part, does make life easier. Overwhelming at first? Yes. Confusing? You betcha. Expensive? Yep. In the long run, however, updates in the techno world can actually make life smoother.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most big-tech companies, providers and the like understand that users experience different learning curves. They’re equipped to help so don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service.
I’d also suggest reaching out friends and family who are well-versed in such updates. Let them know what you’re experiencing and ask if they can help.
Ruthie’s Social Calendar
March 23—“Loud as Helles Lager” Women’s-Month Ladies Night at New Barons Brewing Cooperative (2018 S. First St. #170): Bad-ass women, unite! Celebrate Women’s Month with a 6 p.m. mixer for today’s female business owners. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to dress casually, enjoy a few craft beers and relax with women who share similar interests. Best of all, $1 from certain craft beers benefit Milwaukee’s Sojourner Family Peace Center.
March 23—Peter Mulvey & SistaStrings at Colectivo Coffee (2211 N. Prospect Ave.): Swing by pabsttheatergroup.com and nab a ticket to check out this popular local band. The fun, casual performance is sure to liven up your week. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show starting an hour later.
March 25—Mary Poppins Showing at Oriental Theatre (2230 N. Farwell Ave.): A dark-cloaked creature descends from the sky and invades the home of an unsuspecting family. When not introducing children to witchcraft or her talking demon-possessed umbrella, the being trains animals to serve her, causes chaos by disassembling a merry-go-round and toys with the emotions of an innocent blue-collar worker. Oh, and it’s a musical. See the Academy-award winning film at this noon showing. Tickets can be purchased via mkefilm.org.
March 25—“Voices of the Next Generation” at FIVE Nightclub (5 Applegate Court, Madison): Head out to Madison for this family-friendly drag show co-hosted by the state’s teen dynamic duo, Nemo and Andi Withani. The 7 p.m. show spotlights the state’s up-and-coming performers, so be sure to hold your $15 table soon. Simply email fivetickets@yahoo.com to make a reservation.
March 25—“Dan Savage’s Hump! Film Festival” at The Barrymore Theatre (2090 Atwood Ave., Madison): It’s back! This change-of-pace film fest offers up “short erotic films made by real people for real people.” See why this fest is so popular with film lovers across the country when you attend the 7:30-9:30 p.m. viewings. Pay $30 at the door or visit humpfilmfest.comfor discounted tickets.
March 25—Miss Gay Southeastern Wisconsin USofA 2023 at Club Icon(6305 120th Ave., Kenosha): Take in this 9:30 p.m. pageant and see who is headed to Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA! Featuring all the glamour and glitz you’d expect from a drag competition, this is a night not to be missed.
March 26—Inked FOR Life at Walker’s Point Tattoo Company (712 S. Second St.): The local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention teams up with Walker’s Point Tattoo Company for this fundraiser. Get a $100 tattoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (first come, first served), with funds going to the charity.
Have a question for Ruthie? Want to share an event with her? Contact Ruthie at DearRuthie@ShepEx.com.
