[mgescuro]

That's just sad.

i'm not claiming not to be a heavy user of my smartphone. I have a curious mind. Things pop into my head all the time. "Where else have I seen that actor? (this happens a lot when watching TV)" "What were Fran Tarkenton's stats?" "What's on that restaurant's menu?" Yesterday, one sudden curiosity was "Why do some people think vinyl sounds better than CDs? (interesting answers actually)" I pop out the phone and look it up.

Now, when I'm in a restaurant alone having breakfast or lunch, I'm sitting there like all the other drones, eyes focused on the little rectangle. It's the modern newspaper.

But I don't need the thing to live. Like I said, when I'm out with friends, I leave it in the car or at home. I interact with my friends. When I'm biking or playing golf, or taking my dog for a walk, I don't carry it (unless I'm on-call for my job). I don't need or want the interruption. I'm old enough to have experienced life pre-mobile phone. Quite often I was incommunicado for many hours. Yet here I am, alive and well 25 or so years later. Sometimes I'll ignore a call and get questioned by the person later, "Why didn't you answer?" Any my response occassionally is, "I own my cell phone. It does not own me."

There was a time when I was never without my phone. Maybe part of that was the newness of the tech. At some point, I decided that it was just a kind of weird to be so glued to this thing. As I've said, I'm a bit of a contrarin. Maybe it was just seeing people everywhere - in restaurants, parks, cars, theaters, stadiums, concerts**, etc. - all glued to their phones and not engaging in the world around them. I gradually started carrying it less. I still have it on me most of the time. It's rare that I drive somewhere without it. But I've become much less tethered to it and it's a good thing. Try tossing it aside once in a while. You might find it liberating.


** The concert thing really bugs me. It seems like the majority of the audiences these days are more concerned with recording the show on their phones than in actually watching the show. So they pay perhaps hundreds for a ticket, really don't pay attention, and at the end of the night have a phone full of video with poor sound quality that they might show a few minutes of to their friends in a "Guess who I saw last night!?" boast. Just bizarre.

I still hold to my position that leaving one's phone away from you is one of the dumbest things one can do.
Nearly everything is tied to your phone number. Nor would I want to try to attempt to recover my information without my phone.
It's the modern wallet. It's also a lifeline, should one need one when walking a dog or biking.

I think part of the issue you have is the loss of general etiquette with phones. That, I can understand. I turn on "DO Not Disturb" when I'm in certain situations (theatre, opera, movie, etc.). Phone automatically goes into Driving mode when I'm driving, so I get zero notifications, and it kicks back an auto response.

I can't fathom NOT having a phone with me at all times.
And that's because it's not just a phone to text and call or message or search or take photos. It does that as well.
It's how I pay for things. It's my banking tool. It's my transit pass. It's my vaccination card... my insurance card... my pharmacy card... my gym card... my movie card.... my Starbucks card...concert/event pass...
Like I said... it's the modern wallet.

 

[mgescuro]

Slightly off topic. I imagine you and Greg Burr are closely following the SVB run. News smells fishy.
Do you think disgruntled tech talent might leak related phone (or other) communications by people involved?
-A balance sheet with liquid assets... capital raise fails?
-Was the Thursday stock decline an honest market move?
-Becker hoped clients would keep calm... who pushed hardest for a run?
-Where do the running companies turn... who benefits?

https://disclosure.spglobal.com/ratings/en/regulatory/article/-/view/type/HTML/id/2958379

SVB Financial's attempts to raise capital failed, in talks for sale - report (NASDAQ:SIVB)

SVB Financial (SIVB) has reportedly failed in attempts to raise capital, and has started talks to sell itself, CNBC reported Friday, citing unnamed sources.Large financial institutions...

seekingalpha.com

I haven't been following this closely, to tell you the truth.

It doesn't mirror the 2008 banking collapse. It's more that SVB is sitting on low-yielding assets that are now under water due to the rate increases. SVB was selling securities as a loss, and some VCs advised companies to withdraw money from SVB, which caused a run on the bank.

Beyond that, I don't really know what's going on.

 

[tripowergto Jan2003]

I still hold to my position that leaving one's phone away from you is one of the dumbest things one can do.
Nearly everything is tied to your phone number. Nor would I want to try to attempt to recover my information without my phone.
It's the modern wallet. It's also a lifeline, should one need one when walking a dog or biking.

I think part of the issue you have is the loss of general etiquette with phones. That, I can understand. I turn on "DO Not Disturb" when I'm in certain situations (theatre, opera, movie, etc.). Phone automatically goes into Driving mode when I'm driving, so I get zero notifications, and it kicks back an auto response.

I can't fathom NOT having a phone with me at all times.
And that's because it's not just a phone to text and call or message or search or take photos. It does that as well.
It's how I pay for things. It's my banking tool. It's my transit pass. It's my vaccination card... my insurance card... my pharmacy card... my gym card... my movie card.... my Starbucks card...concert/event pass...
Like I said... it's the modern wallet.

View attachment 69150

I guess some of us just prefer the simple untethered lifestyle and the solace that comes along with it. I get by just FINE without a cellphone yet I do still use my (actual) wallet, which requires no monthly fee. Rural America still functions fine without fully embracing all available technology at all times.

 

[CaptainDan]

I guess some of us just prefer the simple untethered lifestyle and the solace that comes along with it. I get by just FINE without a cellphone yet I do still use my (actual) wallet, which requires no monthly fee. Rural America still functions fine without fully embracing all available technology at all times.

Uncle Vern, out working on the still, would appreciate a call if you spot some revenuers coming his way. Last time that happened he only had an AM radio to warn him. That idea was about as useful as a screen door in a submarine.

 

[mgescuro]

I guess some of us just prefer the simple untethered lifestyle and the solace that comes along with it. I get by just FINE without a cellphone yet I do still use my (actual) wallet, which requires no monthly fee. Rural America still functions fine without fully embracing all available technology at all times.

I get that.
I also don't live in rural America. So there's that aspect as well.

I don't have a landline. So my phone is it. I've had my phone number since 1996 when I was in college.
And when California implements Digital ID, I will have my ID on my phone.
I don't think I'll ever be able to get away from my physical wallet, but that is the ultimate goal.

 

[ksr]

With the AM radio turned on? Because it can't warn you of any emergencies if it's not with you and turned on.

LIke I said before, I think AM radio should be retained. I don't care about emergencies. But AM is just another listening choice. One I don't use that much, but it's there.

I still hold to my position that leaving one's phone away from you is one of the dumbest things one can do.
Nearly everything is tied to your phone number. Nor would I want to try to attempt to recover my information without my phone.
It's the modern wallet. It's also a lifeline, should one need one when walking a dog or biking.

I think part of the issue you have is the loss of general etiquette with phones. That, I can understand. I turn on "DO Not Disturb" when I'm in certain situations (theatre, opera, movie, etc.). Phone automatically goes into Driving mode when I'm driving, so I get zero notifications, and it kicks back an auto response.

I can't fathom NOT having a phone with me at all times.
And that's because it's not just a phone to text and call or message or search or take photos. It does that as well.
It's how I pay for things. It's my banking tool. It's my transit pass. It's my vaccination card... my insurance card... my pharmacy card... my gym card... my movie card.... my Starbucks card...concert/event pass...
Like I said... it's the modern wallet.

Good points all. I get by with my little front-pocket wallet. I have a Walgreen's card like you. Insurance cards, credit cars, license. I get by. And I do typically have a phone with me.

You're right. My biggest issues with phones is the lack of etiquette. But a lot of times, like playing golf, biking, I just don't feel a need for it. I'm not the most outdoorsy guy or some Thoreau-wannabe, but when I see people biking - and more and more playing golf - with phones on playing music or some podcast, I just don't get that. There's value in silence, in being alone with your thoughts. Sometimes I just want the sounds of winds and birdsong.

 

[tripowergto Jan2003]

Uncle Vern, out working on the still, would appreciate a call if you spot some revenuers coming his way. Last time that happened he only had an AM radio to warn him. That idea was about as useful as a screen door in a submarine.

Who told you about Uncle Vern's still? There may be some buckshot in order if they don't zip it.

Good thing there's no cellphone service in these parts. The Castle Law is our friend.

 

[mgescuro]

Good points all. I get by with my little front-pocket wallet. I have a Walgreen's card like you. Insurance cards, credit cars, license. I get by. And I do typically have a phone with me.

You're right. My biggest issues with phones is the lack of etiquette. But a lot of times, like playing golf, biking, I just don't feel a need for it. I'm not the most outdoorsy guy or some Thoreau-wannabe, but when I see people biking - and more and more playing golf - with phones on playing music or some podcast, I just don't get that. There's value in silence, in being alone with your thoughts. Sometimes I just want the sounds of winds and birdsong.

I do have my phone when I golf. It's in my bag's pocket. A buddy carries it with him because he swears it straightens out his swing. 🤷‍♂️

Moving to a largely digital wallet has allowed me not to have a Costanza wallet. My goal is to no longer have a wallet, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon. Other countries like Japan, Korea, and China are much more further ahead than the US in terms of that.

When I'm out walking thru a city, I always have one ear pod in my ear, but always have a free ear, so I can listen to my surroundings. It's just sound advice, IMHO. but I get the need for the sounds of silence.
But phone etiquette is something that is a pet peeve of mine. I think we largely have forgotten about that.

 

[Digmor Crusher]

I still hold to my position that leaving one's phone away from you is one of the dumbest things one can do.
Nearly everything is tied to your phone number. Nor would I want to try to attempt to recover my information without my phone.
It's the modern wallet. It's also a lifeline, should one need one when walking a dog or biking.

I think part of the issue you have is the loss of general etiquette with phones. That, I can understand. I turn on "DO Not Disturb" when I'm in certain situations (theatre, opera, movie, etc.). Phone automatically goes into Driving mode when I'm driving, so I get zero notifications, and it kicks back an auto response.

I can't fathom NOT having a phone with me at all times.
And that's because it's not just a phone to text and call or message or search or take photos. It does that as well.
It's how I pay for things. It's my banking tool. It's my transit pass. It's my vaccination card... my insurance card... my pharmacy card... my gym card... my movie card.... my Starbucks card...concert/event pass...
Like I said... it's the modern wallet.

View attachment 69150

Fortunately for me I refuse to put any of that crap on my phone, also when eating alone etc, I prefer to watch people then stare at a 4 inch screen.

 

[CaptainDan]

Who told you about Uncle Vern's still? There may be some buckshot in order if they don't zip it.

Good thing there's no cellphone service in these parts. The Castle Law is our friend.

The cell phone tower is on Uncle Vern's property. He's got cell phone service, and he knows how to use it.

 

[Neanderthal]

A phone is practically a requirement these days. But like any addictive drug, if you never sample it you won't get hooked.

I do believe they are responsible for the gradual lowering of IQs as well as interpersonal skills (like having a conversation that consists of more than taking a bunch of selfies and sending them to your 50 BFFs while giggling and bumping into your other BFFs who are also taking selfies, for example) as well at paying attention to anything. Like the other vehicles on the road, like the other pedestrians on the sidewalk, like the numerous items that can seriously damage or maim you as you tool around on your bicycle.

Cell phones are an addiction in many cases. Call them what you like, that's what I call them.

OTOH I can get the various talkers on my cell phone and I can't get them on the tabletop radio no matter how many times I shake it, threaten its existence, or call it mean names. So there are plusses.

 

[MisterMe]

I guess some of us just prefer the simple untethered lifestyle and the solace that comes along with it. I get by just FINE without a cellphone yet I do still use my (actual) wallet, which requires no monthly fee. Rural America still functions fine without fully embracing all available technology at all times.

I live in a predominantly rural Southern state, but we are not quite the rubes that you let on. Even when I was a small child, hand crank gasoline pumps were few and far between. Today, virtually all gasoline pumps in my state accept credit and debit cards. Pumps that accept Apple Pay and similar services have not yet achieved majority status, but we are getting there. My drivers license and recent immunization records are in my state-issued digital wallet. If I were into that sort of thing, then my digital wallet app has a fishing/hunting license and concealed handgun permit waiting for me. My car keys are on my MyChevrolet phone app as is my automobile insurance card.

I still carry a leather wallet. However, I do so as a matter of choice, not necessity.

 

[AWHoden]

I live in a predominantly rural Southern state, but we are not quite the rubes that you let on. Even when I was a small child, hand crank gasoline pumps were few and far between. Today, virtually all gasoline pumps in my state accept credit and debit cards. Pumps that accept Apple Pay and similar services have not yet achieved majority status, but we are getting there. My drivers license and recent immunization records are in my state-issued digital wallet. If I were into that sort of thing, then my digital wallet app has a fishing/hunting license and concealed handgun permit waiting for me. My car keys are on my MyChevrolet phone app as is my automobile insurance card.

I still carry a leather wallet. However, I do so as a matter of choice, not necessity.

I think a lot of people think that the rural parts of this country are still in the "Deliverance" days or something. Quite a few major tech businesses are around here (Google, eBay, Amazon), right up next to the corn fields and cattle yards.

 

[chinamonty]

It happens.
Internet goes down, then you have cell service. If that's down, chances are power is also out. Which means there are probably larger problems to deal with than just internet being down.

yeah I agree but your car radio will still pick up AM from other locations.

 

[MisterMe]

yeah I agree but your car radio will still pick up AM from other locations.

As amazing as it may seem, your car will also pick up FM from other locations.

 

[chinamonty]

As amazing as it may seem, your car will also pick up FM from other locations.

FM require line of sight basically AM doesn't. If you are in a valley FM reception can degrade to zero for all stations if you are unlucky. I dont' get any FM reception in my local multistory car park and barely get any AM.

 

[MisterMe]

FM require line of sight basically AM doesn't. If you are in a valley FM reception can degrade to zero for all stations if you are unlucky. I dont' get any FM reception in my local multistory car park and barely get any AM.

So you are in a place where you get crappy AM reception and poor FM reception. Where I live and do most of my driving, my favorite FM station is more than 100 miles away. When I drive in large metropolitan areas, there are numerous FM stations, most which come in clearly. There are also numerous AM stations, many of which interfere with each other even during daylight hours.

 

[chinamonty]

So you are in a place where you get crappy AM reception and poor FM reception. Where I live and do most of my driving, my favorite FM station is more than 100 miles away. When I drive in large metropolitan areas, there are numerous FM stations, most which come in clearly. There are also numerous AM stations, many of which interfere with each other even during daylight hours.

the FM stations likely have repeaters. FM is line of sight but AM is a sinusoidal wave.

 

[davester]

the FM stations likely have repeaters. FM is line of sight but AM is a sinusoidal wave.

seriously, study up on this before spouting off. both use sinusoidal waves. It's also easy to find out why am signals can better pass through different substances, are less hindered by hills, and why FM signals don't travel as far.