In the old days – I'm talking about the 30s, 40s and 50s here – cars came equipped with a six-volt electrical system.  That's all they needed.  The engines were small – a hundred horsepower, or so – and they had few accessories – a starter (you had to crank the old Model T by hand), windshield wipers, a cigarette lighter and, if you were in tall cotton, an AM radio. 

As cars got bigger and more powerful and loaded with all sorts of accessories – including an air conditioner – the old six-volt system couldn't handle the load.  So, GM, Ford and Chrysler switched over to a twelve-volt system.  The others followed suit.  Twelve volts gave – well, twice as much power as six volts, and it proved to be the ticket.  Even with the big SUVs today, our cars and trucks run on a twelve-volt system. 

So, that's your automotive lesson for today.  The reason I mention it is because, years ago, one of my best friends, frustrated with his wife's unwillingness to embrace new technology, railed out at her and said, "Pat, you're just a six-volt battery in a twelve-volt world."

That accusation has stayed with me through the years. When something new is required do I remain in the old world? Am I a six-volt battery in a twelve-volt world? Are you?