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05/06/11 08:54

Earlier this week the Sunday Styles section of The New York Times carried a lead story on the revolution in the American living room. It began with a description of a family: the wife on her iPad, the husband on his laptop, the daughter on her iPod Touch, while the son was "absorded" by a Wii game on the widescreen TV.

"One family," wrote the author Alex Williams. "One room. Four screens. Four realities, basically. While it may look like some domestic version of "The Matrix - families sharing a common space, but plugged into entirely different planes of existence through technology - a scene like this has become an increasingly familiar evening ritual."

Yes, I thought, and how is it different from the evening scene, in the days before radio, when each family member would curl up with his or her favorite picture book, album, journal or novel?

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11 comments

Comment from: Linda Spector aka Dudak [Visitor]

Dear Tom,
It’s very interesting when a parent doesn’t have the money for any of those new I “whatevers” and the teenage son has an ipod from earnings of a bus boy. Yes, I connect with my son as he explains and exhibits the latest technology, having a real conversation continuing to bond. We even go on journeys to Best Buy, so he can show me things when I can afford it. Recently, I exposed my son to an ancient Smith Corona electric typewriter that my parents bought me in high school. It was very odd to him but I thought he could sell it on Craig’s List and keep the money for gas, wondering, if in this day and age, he’d even find someone who knew what this “instrument” was. This is my ingenious way of keeping up with the times as well as keeping up with what’s important: true family connection. By the way,do you seriously know someone who’d want an electric typewriter? All my best, Linda

05/13/11 @ 23:16

Comment from: [Member]

Linda, I’ll ask around. I have an LC Smith & Corona manual - heavy, black, stately - which I keep in the office as decoration. A number of years ago it fascinated the children of a friend visiting from China.

05/14/11 @ 11:22

Comment from: mobile spy [Visitor]

Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any points for rookie blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.

05/18/11 @ 08:03

Comment from: seo service [Visitor]