I remember years ago listening to a broadcast of the BBC on public radio. The story was on aid to Africa, specifically technological aid. Seems the average African had little access to electricity at the time. Even in relatively modern South Africa, many did not have access to central power and relied on battery-powered radios for news and information. Access to batteries could be problematic. So a little over a decade ago, with assistance from international aid organizations, Africa began producing its own hand-crank radios. Small in size and with tiny speakers, they were still capable of picking up AM, FM, and shortwave broadcasts. A few quick cranks and you were good to go for a half-hour or so. Remote villages now had constant contact with daily events, local and around the world. Technology placed into the hands of those who needed it most.

I live on the opposite side of the globe from Africa. Purely by chance I was born into a technologically advanced country, where easy access to information and technology are basic facts of life for me. I have no need for such a simple technology as a hand-crank radio. I have not turned the crank on anything since I sold my old ’74 Dodge Polara after college. (Gasp! No power windows!) I prefer the digital radios in my car, home theatre, even my office. Technology is king in my world—no need for wind up toys.

Then it happened…my power went out in a thunderstorm. My cocoon of technology failed and I was tossed mercilessly into the dark ages. No internet, cable, or radio, and certainly no lights. The sun had set an hour earlier and I was surprised at how fast I felt helpless. I searched blindly for the rechargeable work light I kept in my shop, felt for the switch, turned it on, and watched it glow with all the power of a half-dead lightning bug. I went to my workbench to turn on my combo AM, FM, CD, iPod player only to find it, too, needed batteries—eight D cells to be exact. I of course had dozens of AAs available. Lots of lithium poly cells lying about for my R/C aircraft that did me little good now. Dozens of NiCad power packs too, but no D cells. How was I to get news on the storm’s progress? I was reduced to using decorative holiday candles for light and comfort. I was not happy.

So what does this have to do with me living in my high-tech nation where nearly every portable device is powered by high power density li-poly batteries? Yep, the technology of a lowly hand-crank radio has found a place in my home, this time reborn as a flashlight. I remembered recently purchasing a cordless drill, and it came with a free hand-crank flashlight (LED no less!). A few cranks of the handle and I was brought out of the dark ages. I instantly had enough light to find my way around my now re-familiar house…where I spent the next hour searching for D batteries.

I think it’s time to go online…and search for one of those hand-crank radios….