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Writing and watching the World Cup

So far my morning has been split between writing, breakfast at the Gracie Mews, and then watching the Netherlands defeat Japan 1-0. Not the most scintillating existence, but it’ll do for a Saturday morning. Next up is Australia against Ghana followed by a bit of crime fighting and if I feel really energetic some leaping over very small buildings in about four bounds, an elevator, and ideally a walkway with a railing.

Tolkien was prescient

He knew about the internet and smart phones. I had every intention of leaving my Blackberry behind the other day but when I got to the diner I realized I had it with me. I’d grabbed it without even realizing I was doing it and when I was expressly attempting not to take it. My god, it’s like the one ring in LOTR. I can’t shake it. It’s power is growing. Quick, point me to the nearest open chasm of molten lava!

The first step is admitting you have a problem

Now that my Blackberry is part of my DNA and seemingly as essential as breathing, it occurs to me that that may not be entirely healthy. I NEED to be connected, and that’s scary. The times when I am without the internet are mildly distressing unless I’m engaged in something really interesting, and even then in the back of my mind I know I’ll soon be reunited with all the glorious little distractions like email alerts from CNN telling me which soccer star snores and which friend has more eggs than the know what to do with in Farmville. It’s a form of addiction. I didn’t realize how insidious it had become until I read this NYT article this morning http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html?th&emc=th Reading it was a bit like walking into the post office and seeing your face on a wanted poster.

I’m meeting my bubbe (that’s Yiddish for grandmother, although she’s not really my grandmother, and I’m not Jewish, but this is New York City and…it’s a long story) for breakfast shortly and I’ve decided to venture forth without my Blackberry. I’m already feeling anxious. I might need a couple of strips of bacon in my coffee to help me cope, but I can do this.