Why so SMART?

Lately, I've noticed a new trend in products. Okay, maybe it's not completely "new", but it is an interesting phenomenon. Everything seems to be "SMART" these days. Here is a listing of just a few items I could think of off the top of my head...I'm sure the list is considerably longer!

1. The Smart Car. These miniature-sized cars are hugely popular in Europe due to their small size. The small size allows for better fuel economy and more convenience when maneuvering into tiny parking spaces or down narrow roads. Smart cars are supposed to be better for the environment, but they are NOT hybrid vehicles. They simply get better mileage and use less gasoline than traditional sedans. They've recently become available for sale in the US, but I'm still a little unsure of the safety issue here....

2. The "SmartPhone". It can do everything--in phone form. You can keep your calendar, organize your address book, surf the web, navigate to unknown places, play games, take pictures, take videos, write and send emails, text message, compose and edit word processing documents, and play music. Oh, and make a phone call.

3. Smart Water. This is one that I completely don't understand. After a bit of research, I have discovered that it is supposedly more pure than filtered spring water. It seems that the company has recreated the natural process that produces water, and they use this process to "make" water that has had no contact with possible contaminates. Then, they add some electrolytes to it (electrolytes are the important part of Gatorade that help keep you hydrated). Smart Water is an option, but I'm still a firm believer that "there ain't no water like Memphis water".


4. SMARTBoard. One of my favorite educational products, and I want one so bad I can taste it. These are interactive whiteboards, which allow teachers and students to touch the board to write and move things around with their fingertips. Okay, you can do that on a chalkboard, right? Well, yes. But you CAN'T save that chalkboard "end product" and use it tomorrow, or create that chalkboard setup ahead of time and flash it up there, or create an interactive slide show, or type something and see it on the board, or show an animated 3-D model of a molecule that students can manipulate on the board. These things will run you about $1,200, but studies show that they can increase student engagement and help increase test scores. And someday I intend to work at a school where I can use one full-time.

5. The Mac "Genius". Mac took it a step further when they started calling their in-store repair people "Geniuses". That's so much better than the name I would propose: "Smart People Who May or May Not Be Able To Fix Your Computer" (or SPWMMNBATFYC for short). Now, I am a life long Mac user who will use a Mac until they either no longer exist or I can no longer type on a keyboard. However, I will be the first to admit that these so called "Geniuses" have failed me on a couple of occasions. I'll still go to them because they have helped me too.
6. Smarties. One of my childhood favorites, this "smart" product has been around much longer than all the rest. I would like to think this whole fad began with this sugary delicacy.