The Dark Ages
December 3rd, 2004
As we move into hour 27 of no cable modem, or what I like to call "America’s National Crisis," the sense of loss is palpable. I’ve always been fascinated by competing cliches and no more than this pair:
- Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
- Out of sight, out of mind.
When it comes to broadband access, or internet access of any kind for that matter, #1 is clearly the winner here. When easy, pervasive access isn’t there I realize how much I thrive on instant access to the resources provided by distant servers. The luddites in the world who feel that the internet is primarily for porn and bomb making instructions will never understand. I’m not sure I can even explain it. I can’t seem to have a thought enter my brain that doesn’t finally exit with some sort of action that would normally be accomplished on the internet.
- Hey! Is that the actress from that other movie?
- I need to get that used book for 1/2 off.
- What’s the number for customer service?
- Is that new movie getting good reviews?
- Can I really afford to go to the movies?
- Is it a new Arrested Development this week?
- No crushed tomatoes? I wish I had a recipe for a good pasta sauce without tomatoes.
- Is there a nearby place to get an oil change?
- How do you spell onomatopoeia?
I know there are lots of archaic ways to accomplish these feats (phone books, newspapers, Ken Jennings) but when you aren’t set up to use them, it’s more hassle than it’s worth. It becomes much easier to sit in front of the television and do nothing. Maybe it is just rationalizing being lazy but I don’t think so. Last night by 9pm or so I found myself contemplating going to bed. For a night owl like me it is ridiculous but what else can I do? It was sort of like Little House on the Prairie. There is only so long you can study by candlelight so you turn in early just like Pa and Half-Pint. In fact, I’d rather not have electricity and be warmed by the glow of my battery operated, broadband connected monitor. I know it seems silly to be sounding off on this considering I am sitting at Otherlands using their free WiFi while sucking down a latte but when comforts become necessities it hurts when they are removed.
I so agree. I also know now why you don’t write in your blog very often. You write really well, but I can just see how much time it takes. By the way, I fully intend to follow all those bulleted links you took the time to include. Thanks!
OK, so it’s now been over 48 hours without Internet in my apartment. For Aaron and I, this is ridiculous! Our brains are built for the Internet, and we ulitize it at least hourly for answers to these kinds of questions. I can’t take another day, but it looks like maybe I will have to wait! The appointment is for Monday afternoon, but I can’t possible get home before 2:30pm. If I miss the guy, I may lose my mind!
*blush* Thanks, Abby’s mom.
It’s much easier to post here now that I’ve started. Isn’t that always the way? Reminds me of the popular running book, “The Courage to Start.” The difference between doing and not doing is doing.
Yes, the access issues continue. I am disturbed by the lack of internet in Abby’s apartment. It’s the thing that makes the idea of driving back to Nashville today bearable.
You’re welcome.
I *so* agree. I even found myself getting cranky when I couldn’t use my phone to google for information about local landmarks, agriculture, and whatever during Walter’s-and-my drive from Phoenix to SF last weekend. There was palpable relief in the car when the signal came back. And not because we didn’t have things to talk about — just because the information-flow is *part* of a normal conversation now.
I don’t know what we did before the web. I really don’t.
I thought this was hysterical. Hope your Internet connection is back soon.