A Decade Lost: From Aught to Naught

As we enter this new decade, let's review some of those things that are becoming obsolete, what is replacing them, and if that is good or NOT *:

BOOK >>>>>>>>>> KINDLE
Well, I think the Kindles are great, especially for traveling (no lugging the heavy books),for newpapers (no ink mess or awkward paper folding to avoid invading your neighbors space if you care about that sort of thing), and for sampling new reads. But, I do love the feel of a good book and the COLORS/VISUALS you get with an actual book - especially those books from Rizzoli and Assouline.

PEN >>>>>>>>>> KEYBOARD
Sorry, I love the feel of a fabulous pen - from a Tiffany Blue pen to a handsome Mont Blanc to my old stand by - blue papermates (by the box full). I always sign my docs in blue - easy to id the original. But I do use BOTH (obviously, as you are reading my Blog)

LANDLINE >>>>>>>>>> CELLPHONE
Provided the brain cancer link is truly a myth, cellphones are GOOD. They are portable, small and come in a variety of colors.

PAYPHONE CALLS TO SAY GOODNIGHT >>>>>>>>>> CELLPHONES TO SAY/TEXT GOODNIGHT
A GOOD thing. Direct and to the Point and no lines. I am not sure I actually ever stood on a line or used a pay phone for this purpose but others have! And, are there really any payphone left anyway?

ACTUAL CONVERSATION >>>>>>>>>> TEXT MESSAGES and EMAILS
Aside from calling someone's actual home, hearing a voice, maybe having to say hello to someone's parent, child, spouse or other human, actually seeing someone's face during a conversation where you can see their reaction, and read, rightly or wrongly, emotion as you "converse", there are advantages but I hope the Art of Conversation is not completely lost. And, SKYPE is a bridge builder here...

PAYPHONE CALLS TO SAY GOODNIGHT >>>>>>>>>> CELLPHONES TO SAY/TEXT GOODNIGHT
A GOOD thing. Direct and to the Point and no lines. I am not sure I actually ever stood on a line or used a pay phone for this purpose but others have! And, are there really any payphone left anyway?

PERSONAL LETTER >>>>>>>>>> EMAIL
Many say the former has disappeared but we all know the curiousity, intrigue, PLEASURE we feel when a personal letter arrives. Not so much with an email. And, do we save love emails? I don't think so. And, when we give a gift, do we give it with an email taped to the box or in the bag? No, our gifts - whatever the occasion - are most often accompanied with a handwritten note/card or gift tag. As a related aside, one of the most refreshing things I heard all week - a friend who has no email. He only writes personal notes. He responds to business emails sent to his office the next day with a hand written note/letter or a phone call - he likes to take the time to deliberate. While this may not be practical for some or most of us (myself included), it is food for thought.

RANDOM CHATTER >>>>>>>>>> TWITTER
I don't even know what to say here.

HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

*opinions may vary depending upon your age and experience!