Electrons and Words Don't Mix

I love my gadgets--there is no doubt. I have my robots that vacuum and wash the floor. I have several computers and I can't imagine being away from them for very long. I have a cell phone and a bunch of other toys. I do love my toys, but these are things that I don't really have to communicate to...like people. When it comes to that, I like nothing better than face to face or on a phone. Why is that--because words and electrons don't mix well.

Electrons, whether via text msg, chat, IM...whatever, don't have the tone or emotion behind them. I have often shied away from electronic conversations because of this; it is so easy to misinterpret meaning or content behind the words because you can't hear or see the expression behind them. Or worse yet, interpreting the words in a completely different way then intended=disaster. I will mull over, or "overthink" as some of you like to call it, the possible meanings that the electronic words can mean. I guess I am one of those sensitive kind of people in that regard. Now you can say, well wasn't it the same with letters (for those of us that actually remember writing letters), and yes, I guess it was and all we have done is just speeded up that process with the electrons.

Now I have been told that perhaps I am just getting old and I don't understand the "new" wave of communication," and that might be so...but you know what, if that's the case, I think I will stick with my philosophy of actual verbal communication on the things that matter--so just bury me with my Roomba robot--no words--just tunes. :)

Some Days You Just Can't Help It...

We all (and I say this fairly confidently) have those kind of moments when we sort of push aside those warm fuzzy feelings and well--just let those evil little gremlins take over. Well although I didn't realize it at the time, I had one of those moments the other day although I didn't know it at the time.

Anyway what's this all about? Well I was asked to provide some information for a promotional tool for an organization I am involved with. Well this organization had an event last year that went extremely well for 99% of the people that attended. But it was this 1% that not only stuck the hot poker in my gut, but also twisted it for extra pleasure to save their damaged pride.

Anyway, before the twisting of the poker got started, the individual praised the event wholeheartedly. Yet within hours, they decided to publish this very-very-very-very-very-very long and somewhat dull rant about how the world was out to get them not only at the event...but the entire state and hell...even the world for that matter. I was waiting for the aliens to come into the picture but they deprived me of even that satisfaction although there was something about religion and politics in there which I don't know what the heck they were...anyway moving along...

So...I took this individual's praising comment, which comprised about less than 1% of the complete rant and used it to pitch next years event. The funny part was that the irony of what I did didn't hit me for a while.

(Insert light bulb going off here)

So if people read this individuals rant (if there is enough No-Doz available) and then see the promotional advertisement for next year with their endorsement--well even I would have to wonder what the heck this person is doing which was the big question many of us had after the writing of the rant. Anyway it all works out for the good of the event which is really the important thing rather than a bruised ego of one individual.

Is there a moral to the story--well supply your own if you must. What I like to think is that there is a justice in the world that fits everyone--yes--one size fits all does come in handy at times. And in this case...not only does it fit good, but it feels good too.

The Good and Evil of Cell Phones

Its a quiet moment as you sit and talk over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, tenderly touching hands and generally just enjoying the moment after a long day of work. You're about to say to the significant other you are with the perfect sentence that you have been thinking about and practicing all day long. It has to be perfect. As the words flow across your trembling lips...then DADA--DADA--BOOM-DE-AY (insert utterly ridiculous tune here)plows across the air waves destroying the moment. And if that is not enough--the individual answers the phone speaking at least 20 decibels above normal speaking tones.

Where oh where have our manners gone?

Now, I have a cell phone--these days you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't. But that's not a reason to forget manners especially when in a public environment. Cell phones have these nifty settings that one can use...silent, vibrate, or low. These are wonderful settings and amazingly enough the cell phone still functions even without playing those God-awful tunes that people find. And low can still be heard even from the confines of the deepest and darkest purses or bags. And if you have to answer the call and discuss the all important grocery list or other strategic all topic, speak softly or better yet, excuse yourself and move off to the side somewhere else for your conversation. I certainly don't want to share in your conversation and you know what--you shouldn't want me to either.

There's a short story brewing here--yes there is, read "Operator" by yours truly. Phone cords may have been replaced by wireless but evil still lurks...Emyra

The Summer Perspective

Well I have to start somewhere and the summer is as good as place as any. This summer has been different for me. I am only teaching one class so I have a bit more free time than usual. After a shoulder injury from last summers backyard project, I swore off any large endeavors for this summer. I had the best intentions on working on a new novel, but it seems that I am not quite in the mindset. Instead I have taken up with some editing work on the new vampire series and some other minor projects. I also have been promoting the release of Alien Deception. But I digress from the point. I mentioned that I was not in the mindset--the state of mind needed to indulge my imagination. Instead I have spent more time re-acquainting myself with people and making new friends. This indulging in humanity as I call it has been both exhilarating and frightening. I think sometimes as a writer, or anyone for that matter, we can get too obsessed in our day to day lives and forget what it is that makes a day or even a moment enjoyable.

Now I can imagine what all those pessimists are saying..."Come back Tony, we miss you," but for now, they can stay in the background...way in the background. Someone recently told me what the difference is between a cynic and pessimist, but lets face it, the common ground between the two is pretty close...doom and gloom, its just really a matter of time. But for now, this summer and for however long I can manage it, I am going to be an optimist or at least try my best to be.

Many thanks to Emyra, your conversation, outlook, and company has been... in terms of finding the words-priceless-as you can't assign a value, I cannot find the words and I guess I'll leave it at that. And yes, "It's all good!" (go ahead and add it to the tally again) But please keep an eye out for those curbs...this one time, it really wasn't my fault!

Humanity has been a pretty good companion so far and I am going to indulge in it--one addiction we can all use and need.

A beginning...

Welcome to my blog page. I have no plans for anything particular for my blog...although I like to think of it as a place where ideas can be shared, have some good conversations, and just have some fun.