“Does Your Computer Have a Name?” by Linda Martin Andersen
“A Writer’s Playground”–A place to find wordplay, writing, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart.
November 20 is “Name Your PC Day.” I’m taking the liberty to call it “Name Your PC or MAC Day.”
An aside… http://www.thefreedictionary.com/aside
When I was a child, ‘PC’ had two meanings–privileged character and pole cat (skunk).
Whenever a person was acting superior/haughty, someone might suggest that the person thought he was a PC (privileged character). Someone else might add that he was a PC–a polecat. I asked my husband if he had ever heard this comeback. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/comeback He hadn’t. We grew up in the same town and we are only two years apart in age. Anyway, when I heard that it was PC Day, that’s the direction my mind took, until it settled into thinking of computers, of course.
Thinking on things that are named…
- Tracy Campbell, a writer and artist friend, has a Muse named Matilda.
Copyright–Tracy Campbell
http://tracycampbell.net/blog/my-blog-posts/ Smart thinking to name your Muse, Tracy. Check here to shop for art samples featuring Matilda: http://tracy-campbell.artistwebsites.com/featured/matilda-tracy-campbell.html Check out greeting cards and her blog while you’re there.
Other things that are named:
- Pets
- Cars
- Boats
- and my favorite: Bologna–Oscar Mayer. Hear it sung: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmPRHJd3uHI
- So why not computers? http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/name-your-pc-day/
- Writers research names for characters in favorite sources. Maybe a baby book or website. We get to know our characters very well. Of course they need just the right name. Shouldn’t the same apply to your computer?
Brainstorm names for your PC or MAC. Have fun!
Copyright–Microsoft clip art
To get you started…
Brainstorm–what comes to mind when you think of your computer.
This could lead to a name or nickname.
Brainstorm and write potential names, no matter how unusual.
When you think of your computer, do you think of–
1. the sound of the keys? Clickety-clack or Music Man
2. the effort to locate the keys? Hunt and Peck or Zippidy-Doo-Da
3. the emotional connection with your computer? Best Buddy or Side Kick
4. the primary purpose of your computer? Novel One or Art Smart
5. photos stored in your library? My Treasure Chest
6. the connection with family and friends? One of the Family or Family Friend
7. a relative’s name or a title of honor? When I asked one of my family members what he’d name his PC, he answered, “Mr. PC.” He said he’d choose, “Mr. Apple” for a MAC.
8. Other ideas?
I decided if I was going to encourage you to name your computer, I should certainly name my own. Because I count on my computer with my writing, I decided to select a name that shows its skills and dedication. Here’s the name I chose.
Drum roll…My computer’s name is…Got What It Takes.
My morning greeting goes like this, “Good morning, Got What It Takes.” When I type these words, the greeting echoes right back at me. Like a mirror. Now, that’s teamwork. That’s positive affirmation. Read “The Only 100 Positive Affirmations You Will Ever Need” by Farnoosh http://www.prolificliving.com/blog/2012/08/27/100-positive-affirmations/ My computer’s name reminds me of Affirmation #12 from this list: “I matter and what I have to offer this world also matters.”
Share one or more of your computer names from your list. Now that you’ve chosen a name, why not greet your newly named friend? Carry on a conversation. It works for plants. What about for a computer?
Thanks for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Leave a comment if you’d like, especially a computer name. Come again soon. Bring a friend.
Please note: Children 14 and under are not allowed to leave comments. It’s against the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. (COPPA) See: http://www.coppa.org/coppa.htm
Copyright © 2013 Linda Martin Andersen
A Writer's Playground 