Actually, I’m not really being precise enough. I have an “old” iPod. You know, the original, thick white one. I still love it, but in my family it’s almost looked at like it’s a victrola or 8-track. I don’t even have a cool-looking sleeve. Somehow to me those just seem like old socks. I’ve got some of those in my drawer.
My wife has a “Mini.” Sure, it has less song capacity but it’s certainly more fashionable than my hopelessly outdated version.
My son has the tiny “Shuffle.” He rarely listens to it because he’s too busy actually living a life. Good for him.
My daughter leads this iPod race in our family. She has upgraded to the Video iPod.
It’s thin and sleek and accommodates music and video. Who knew that she couldn’t live without downloading that Natasha Bedingfield music video?
My daughter especially seems to enjoy listening to her iPod when I’m driving her somewhere. That way she doesn’t have to listen to my “old man” music. I was listening to a Bruce Springsteen CD with her in the car one day when she said: “Who signed this guy? He sounds like he needs to cough.”
At first, I thought about trying to explain the raw emotion and the hidden lyrical meaning of “Backstreets.” Instead, I just calmly explained that Springsteen was one of the most popular artists of my lifetime. She was thoroughly unimpressed.
Years from now, sociologists and communication experts will be able to study the “iPod Generation” and determine how the device has changed us. You know, how we’re able to immerse ourselves in our own world and block out everything and everybody else. How we can pretend to be listening even when we’re not, just so we don’t have to talk to the person next to us. I know it certainly comes in handy for my daughter when she’s in the car with me.
Dennis Krause joined OnMilwaukee.com as a contributor on June 16, 2006. He is a two-time Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year and a regional Emmy-award winner. Dennis has been the color analyst on home games for the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network for the last 10 years. He has also been involved with the Green Bay Packers Radio Network for 16 years and is currently the host of the "Packers Game Day" pre-game show.
Dennis started his broadcasting career as a radio air personality in the Fox Valley and Milwaukee.
He spent three years as a sportscaster at WMBD radio and television in Peoria, Illinois before joining WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee in 1987 as a weekend sports anchor. Dennis spent 16 years at Channel 4, serving as its Sports Director and 5 and 6 pm sports anchor from 1994-2003.
Dennis grew up in Hartford, Wisconsin and attended UW-Oshkosh. He lives in Thiensville with his wife and two children. He serves as the Community Resource Director for the Mequon-Thiensville School District.
