Archive for the ‘General’ Category
When I was growing up, my parents would take me to the local library and I’d rent about four to five books. They encouraged me to read and, with the majority of the books being fiction, it was great escapism. The library had always been a mystical place with so much to discover—new worlds lined up right next to each other. As I grew older and could go out on my own, I’d venture to the library every so often, hang out for a bit and rent a book or two. However, at some point, I stopped going and even lost track of my library card. I found myself spending more time at Waldenbooks, then Borders and began buying my books.
I don’t know exactly why I stopped but the cut in library operating hours and the slow accumulation in inventory could have been factors. I also began to prefer acquiring my books and creating a collection. The benefits in doing so meant I always had a book handy and didn’t have to worry about returning it. Yet, I found myself becoming very picky about which books I’d buy and thus began isolating myself from new discoveries. Many people say that the Internet is a major cause in lower library attendance, and while somewhat true, it wasn’t a reason for me because I couldn’t read a book on the computer. I need to touch the book, rifle through the pages and smell them. I needed the subtle tactile feedback where the printing press imprinted the words onto the paper. I needed the creaking of the spine of a well worn book—its soft sigh welcoming me. Reading can be a sensual, intimate experience.
The experience has a different texture with “borrowed” books than purchased ones. The ones you buy most often are entirely read by you, whereas there are added personalities with borrowed books and sometimes it makes you think, “Did the previous reader enjoy this passage or did s/he interpret the story as I have?” Sometimes I think I ought to go the library again and spend some time there, remember the past and create new memories. Do it while libraries last, for according to a recent analysis, library attendance in Hawaii is down. There are initiatives to bring attendance up, like wireless Internet and a coffee shop, but change must happen soon, or we may lose some (or all) libraries.
A metamorphosis needs to happen. Libraries can no longer just be the vast vault of unexplored worlds and a repository of knowledge, they need something more. A social aspect that’ll entice people to spend their time in a library instead of a Borders or Barnes & Noble. Nostalgically, I realize that the vast vault was enough for me when I was young and a little place in my heart will be saddened to see how much my library has changed over the years and will need to change in the coming future.
As I went through high school, I had one favorite backpack. It was green and black and made by Jansport. It carried Trapper Keepers on some days and basketball on others. It withstood being overstuffed with an assortment of textbooks and held the secrets of the divine (aka banned paraphernalia). The backpack went everywhere with me, from the beach to D&D (and other paper RPGs) sleepovers.
Through the years, I’ve never found a bag that was a perfect fit as that backpack. Until one day, while I was basking in my acquisition of a Macbook Pro, I stumbled upon a blog article talking about a strangely named bag made by a company with an equally strange name. The company? Crumpler (looks like they redesigned!). The bag? The Considerable Embarrassment.
The only thing differentiating this bag from any other messenger bag is the Crumpler logo boldly displayed on the flap and zipper tabs. However, it fits better than other bags I’ve tried.
What I like about it:
- For some reason, it feels Mac-like
- Has enough pockets for my Urban Assault mode
- My 15 inch Macbook Pro fits just perfectly
What I don’t like about it:
- The fit can be a little too tight
- For some reason, I missed the velcro in the pictures I saw
Due to the negatives, I tried out a bbp bag. It certainly had a lot more room and I did appreciate the separation between the laptop compartment and the bag area however, I began using the Crumpler bag again and have reinforced my belief that it’s the best bag for me. So, to my pleasant surprise, I discovered that the Considerable Embarrassment is being sold at the online Apple Store (not sure if it’s in-store as well). Go Crumpler!
I have left all reason behind and surrendered to the siren call. Do not fear for me as I have not fallen into a fatal trap, but sunk willingly into the embrace of my fate. I wear the adornments of the Chosen, not shackles of bondage for the enslaved. I fear not the crux of my journey for it is the blissful resolution that I seek.
This temptation is not sin, nor folly. It is all that I am and all that I desire. Pity me if you will, but I am not ashamed to choosing this path. You may think I am superfluous, yet I am content and see you as empty. I am whole.
I am complete.
Welcome to my techno-lust.
A few days ago, I was at the conbini near work to get a bottle of Hawaiian Punch and succumbed to an impulse buy of a pack of 5 gum. I’m not usually a gum chewer as I rather prefer hard candy to crunch on. However, I figured I’d give this snazzy packaged pieces of chewable rubber a try. The flavor I picked up? Cobalt (spearmint). Mainly because it was blue, but anyway! So, I liked it; reminded me of Wrigley’s Double Mint gum and of course, the gum is manufactured by them. This is about as close to fashion consumables as I’ll probably ever get. Unlike those across the pond.
A ship of reason has finally sliced through the waves of whackiness. The involved whacky? Video clips of people cooking popcorn with cellphones. I never believed it could happen, else we’d have reports of teenagers frying their brains as they chat on their handsets. And at least now, if—I mean, when relatives send me spam links with these videos, I can spam them right back with this evidence that they were taken for suckers.
