I've always enjoyed Kipling's tale of Rikki-tikki-tavi, the mongoose who saves his Anglo family from Indian cobras. (Yeah, yeah, I know - Kipling's work smacks of patronizing colonialism - I like the mongoose, okay? Sheesh. Go organize Santa's elves, why don't you?) Anyway, among the animal characters in the story is a muskrat named Chuchundra, who always skitters around the edges of the room, too scared to dart out into the middle. Despite this, he is able to provide Our Hero with useful advice that helps enable Rikki to kill the murderous Nagiana.When it comes to technology, I've always been a bit of a Chuchundra, too frightened to really dive into all that digital pixels, binary code, and things that go "ping!" have to offer. But I was reflecting on this just the other night and darned if I didn't discover that I'm a lot further away from the wall than I was a year ago. Let's see . . .
1. I have a shiny computer with a flat-screen monitor. Mind you, my television is non high-def, non TiVo, I don't have a fancy satellite-style package (which means no BBC America - blast!) and the TV itself has more depth than many of my postings - but my computer monitor is slimmer than an anorexic's hips.
2. As I write this, I'm having to pause to switch out holiday CDs that are being imported into iTunes. From there, I'll synch my iPod so I can belt out Christmas carols in my car.
3. I created not only this blog, but one for the BtVS class, which I've maintained regularly. I even learned how to add links to Websites (didn't know that back in May) and pictures.
4. Speaking of which, I've learned how to upload photos from trips (Istanbul, anyone?) and become an active member of a couple of online communities.
5. Thanks to my friend and partner-in-crime rainbowcipher, I received assurance that yes, I had in fact defragmented my computer properly to improve its digestion. Further, I think it counts that I can use the term "defrag" in casual conversation.
Hmm. Where's that wall again? I can barely see it from here. But I still think I'll steer clear of hooded serpents.
8 comments:
Guess you know that the second season of Torchwood starts on BBC America at the end of Jan...
On my birthday, no less!! And I hear the Doctor has a date with the Titanic around Christmastime. Hmmmmm.
Guess you'll be making a Voyage by (of) the Damned bookstore for your belated Christmas present?
Yay for you! See, I knew a year ago it would be an ongoing project, but look at how far away the wall is! You can scarcely see it back there! Now we just need to get that cybernetic implant so you can surf the web without a computer!
:-p
Your turkey pictures are awesome. I so wish I could be a world traveler like you! I've seen a lot of the US, but you've been to some really awesome places! My poor little passport still doesn't have a single stamp in it, and it's what, four years old now...
Max, let's call that an Epiphany present and expect to see me by the 5th of January! And Akin, why can't we plan a trip that involves passports?? Hmmmmm.
Okay, liking the way you're thinking there!
Anyone who both ventures boldy into cyber-literacy AND appreciates Kipling is tops in my book. Now to get you in sync with Torchwood and the Doctor...
Elizabeth - always good to hear from you!! I've been lurking on yours lately, but haven't posted. Yes, Kipling is a favorite of mine. On other media news, I (finally) saw WAITRESS last night. That just may be my next post.
Post a Comment