No seriously, it’s worth your time. An episode of Frontline called the Digital Nation aired last night exploring how the internet and related technologies have touched our lives, for the both good and ill. The segment on multitasking in the 8 minute clip below is particularly telling. Not because the conclusions reached aren’t obvious, but because it so succinctly describes the state most of us find ourselves in when we are “connected.” Watch:

The entire episode is 90 minutes definitely worth the time and can be watched at PBS.com.

Psychologist Barry Schwartz explores the notion of “freedom of choice,” and makes a convincing case that having more choice ultimately makes us less happy.

Watching the clip might make you long for simpler times. Like Dana Carvey’s Grumpy Old Man character from SNL…

I’m oooooold! And I’m not happy! And I don’t like things now compared to the way they used to be. All this progress — phooey! In my day, we didn’t have these cash machines that would give you money when you needed it. There was only one bank in each state — it was open only one hour a year. And you’d get in line, seventeen miles long, and the line became an angry mob of people — fornicators and thieves, mutant children and circus freaks — and you waited for years and by the time you got to the teller, you were senile and arthritic and you couldn’t remember your own name. You were born, got in line, and ya died! And that’s the way it was and we liked it!

Then again… perhaps not. 🙂

200 posts and 500 comments later, Inside Looking Out (ILO) turns 5 years old this week!

It’s been a long and bumpy ride, but I am glad most of my original readers are still hanging around… and am thankful for the new ones too.

Today I went back and re-visited the very first post on ILO, and much of it surprisingly still applies… so I am posting it again today.

Well, this has been a long time in coming. I’ve wanted to set up an online journal, or “blog” for some time. I am sure you are all understandably curious. I thought this was a good way to let everyone know what’s going on with me, because as you know it’s always about me. Plus, it gives me a place to blow off some steam, sometimes serious, sometimes not so much. It also provides a forum for the lively exchange of ideas. Oh. Who am I kidding? Most of y’all will simply drop by for the free links, as I often stumble across cool things on the web… and this is a great place to post them. 🙂 But what ever your reason for visiting, hopefully you’ll make it part of your routine. As I hope to make it part of mine.

Now, those of you visiting for the first time are doing so because your are on my notify list which sends you an email whenever I post to my “blog.” I promise not to fill up your email with idle and pedantic banter. But if you prefer not partake of my blog and all it has to offer, just let me know and I’ll remove you from the list to make room for someone else. 🙂

There are of course a few subtle differences (and some not so subtle) between then and now; today ILO is little less personal, and focuses a lot more on politics and gay issues. It also, I think, looks quite a bit nicer. But none of those changes would have been possible without the encouragement and the participation of those who frequently visit ILO, and to them my dearest thanks.

When I started ILO back in early 2004 I was in the midst of a long unemployment drought that lasted nearly a year. And now on the 5th anniversary of ILO, I look apprehensively toward the future as I am soon to be unemployed once more. During this break (which hopefully will be brief), I will of course be looking for new work, and hopefully, a new direction. I’ll also be spending a lot more time here.

So once again thanks… Thanks for making Inside, Looking Out, a part of your routine.