A geeky definition could be:

"An ubiquitous appliance that performs well a clearly defined task...
easy and intuitive to operate, requiring little maintenance."

Delicious warm and toasty toast, mmm... perfect every time.

Technology should be about users, not the other way around. Today's knowledge tools are insanely more involved than toasters, but still should aspire to be as intuitive and easy to use.

Jun 5th 2008

From The Economist print edition - online
Consumer devices: Revealing the underlying technical details of electronic gadgets can have many benefits, for both users and manufacturers

Illustration by Fraser Hudson

“It’s a new day for consumer electronics,” says Chumby’s Mr Tomlin. “The community makes suggestions and shares hacks. And we don’t try to sue our innovators. We make heroes of them.”

Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a job title commonly given to the person in an enterprise responsible for the information technology and computer systems that support enterprise goals. As information technology and systems have become more important, the CIO has come to be viewed in many organizations as a key contributor in formulating strategic goals.
- Wikipedia CIO Entry

PEACE OF MIND

I've been asked to perform the duties of CIO + CTO for the Global Literacy Foundation. Exciting times. Watch for more over as the year progresses.

We have a compelling message and great projects in the works.

Modern Definition of Literacy
"Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society."