Out With The Old?

If we were to follow this philosophy, buildings like this one in downtown Milwaukee would be gutted and replaced with ultra modern condos. Actually, that is happening to a lot of building along the Mighty (dirty) Milwaukee River. But, I have bigger fish to fry today (although I would never eat anyting caught in the river or big lake...but I've digressed).

Speaking of new stuff, I am fascinated by others' fascination with the new electronic toys. People who do not have the proverbial pot to urinate in do have the latest cell phone complete with camera, Webb and Swiss army knife. It seems there is a new and expensive toy every day, and everyone seems to want one. I don't know why.

Instant communication. Talk on the phone and drive at the same time. What the hell for? During my career as a cardiologist I had to be sure to always be near a phone. This also meant holding close one's beeper, even in the john. When the call came, I had to answer. Even in the car. Even before there were cell phones. I can recall leaving the hospital at, say, one AM and getting a page while on the freeway. Not knowing if I had to return to the hospital, I would pull off and seek out a phone booth, regardless of how safe the neighborhood was. There came a day when I could no longer tolerate the endless phone calls interrupting my sleep. It began to screw me up. That's when I gave up the invasive part of cardiology. I did not want the world to have so much access to my mind and time. I did not need to constantly hear another's voice. I cherished my space.

To this day, I do not like the ringing of the phone and rarely answer ours when I am home alone. So, if you are looking for me, e mail or call my cell. And don't worry, I won't take your picture. My phone comes with 3 minutes a month and only sends and receives phone calls. The rest of the time you all can be in instant communication and communicate what ever it is that is worth your cash.

Paddle safe...

DS