Media Exposure and Expansion

I've had a bit of excitement this past week in my currently rather mundane existence.

Last Thursday, something unexpected happened as a result of my current job. Dealing with the media is a common, sometimes daily part of my routine, depending on whatever the issue-du-jour happens to be. I'm on a first-name basis with several of the local news reporters. Normally I'm not to make media comments, ever. My boss made an exception to the rule that day. I'd been inundated with dozens of calls from irate constituents who balk at the idea of increased property taxes and so on. The following "human interest" bit of video fluff is my resultant 30 seconds of fame. Due to creative editing, however, I don't think I look too dorkish and taxpayers should be happy to know that they're paying me to keep busy!

http://www.action3news.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=3786692&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Mayor

The video title is in error (I have a Journalism degree and would consider this an embarrassing oversight on the editor's part), I feel obliged to note that I do *not* work for the Mayor's office.

Last night was the beginning of my foray into a new level of PC awareness (that's personal computer, not politically correct - perhaps a topic for another occasion); I bought a fairly new-model laptop computer from a friend, with the potential for high-speed/wireless internet connection. I sheepishly admit to being a hold-out subscriber to dial-up, probably the last one on Planet Earth, or so it seems at times! I am also looking forward to the portability, which will be nice when I'm traveling or away from home and need access. It is a bit on the heavy side, but luckily as a seasoned traveler, I've become quite good at packing light with other things. I may have to creatively embellish it a bit (sparkly stickers perhaps?), as it is a bit too "basic black".

Behold, my Dell Latitude E5400:

I think/hope my computer-nerd/geek friends (and I mean that in a respectful, loving way :) will be proud of me and help me through my transition into higher technology.

Is it just me, or is this pretty darn funny?

Yes, folks, this spiffy young couple posed for prom pictures in the drive-thru lane at Taco Bell. I was just sitting there waiting to order my chalupa and lo and behold, they unknowingly include me in the mementos of their "night to remember." Since my car will be in the background, I was sorry that I hadn't washed it recently.

Makes me wonder if Council-tucky, I mean Council Bluffs, doesn't have more scenic venues...

Lines of (Non)Communication

I've been thinking a lot lately about the impact of communication technology, in particular upon me, personally. It's gotten to where I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the changes in the technology itself (phones that do nearly everything but wash the dishes!), but also its effect on how I communicate, or not, with friends, acquaintances and the "world".

I've been a hold-out when it comes to text-messaging. Although "chat" is very fun and convenient, I much prefer communicating vocally if at all possible. There are nuances that simply don't come across digitally. I am a very "aural" person and I rely heavily on inflection, body language, tone, and the like. Seeing their face, hearing their voice, watching their body language - that is a very intrinsic part of how I communicate and understand. I sometimes feel that what I'm trying to say just doesn't translate well into the "real time" of chat. Have you ever gotten caught up in several different "topics" going on at the same time in chat due to overlapping input? I have often had those "oops!" moments when awkward transitions occur or what I've been trying to say comes across as embarrassing or ridiculous, or worse, offensive.

Unfortunately there's often little or no opportunity to "undo" misunderstandings or information that just didn't translate the way I wanted. "Ahhh! That's not how I meant that!" Sometimes it almost feels like learning a foreign language! I can only hope that people who know me, and those who don't know me well, are tolerant and capable of discerning that maybe that wasn't quite the way I meant certain things to be "said." On the other hand, most of the time they're probably clueless and just take away the thought and decipher however they would. I experience a great deal of angst about this, especially when I think about chat conversations in retrospect.

Then, there's the "etiquette" of chat and, I suppose, text, once I finally get around to getting the service. Which I think will be soon if I want to keep up with the social circles I move in. I still perceive it as rather rude when a friend I am spending time with, one on one, repeatedly checks their phone or sends texts during our conversations. Of course, I'm very tolerant and realize that sometimes it's necessary, such as urgent or important messages. However, casual texting is the same as holding a parallel conversation and is somewhat disruptive. I do find it funny, but somehow kind of sad, when I'm sitting with friends and everyone's texting - even to people sitting at the same table! I also find it sad that some even avoid actually talking to someone on the phone in lieu of chat or text. I suppose it is a good way to "control" the conversation and assume that is often the reason.

That being said, I'm amazed at the miraculous innovation of things I could never have imagined being possible, even a few years ago. The potential is so exciting, but overwhelming. Still, it's a changing world and I wonder what the long term aspect will be of separating the way we communicate with each other, away from face-to-face interaction, or voice interaction, to the more "impersonal" methods of chat, text and email. I'm not entirely convinced that will be a positive outcome in the interaction of humanity.