Both Sides Of The Coin
by Dave Holmes
May 23, 2009
Consider with me for a moment, the concept of duality - which as far as I understand it is the ability of a certain object or idea to have conflicting properties/natures. Now, a very wise man once said that duality is the ability of a certain object or idea to have conflicting properties/natures...so lets just toss that little nugget around for a moment, shall we? (See what I did there? Cause I'm the wise man, so it's funny)
I submit to you that the iPhone, that salient bit of high technology that we all know and love, is both the solution and the cause of most of the problems we experience on a day to day basis.
Strong statement, no? Allow me to defend it.
6:00am. I have my alarm set for this ungodly hour using the clocks app. Naturally I hate this app intensely. Unfortunately, it is native to the iPhone and therefore I can't delete it, even on those mornings where it would feel very cathartic to do so. Needless to say, I'm exhausted and I need to really wake up. Luckily there is an app for that:
It's called MindWave. Using something called binaural tones, it either:
a) Alters your brain waves to help you feel energized (among other things) OR
b) Emits random noises so grating that nobody could sleep through them.
Either way, I am awake now. This app does take time to be effective however, and so I run out of time before I can eat breakfast. Happily there's an app to help with that:
It's called AroundMe, and it conveniently lists many types of establishments (including novel little breakfast joints) in the near area. Thus, I am able to grab a tasty bite before work. Regrettably, it must have been an undercooked tasty bite. (True Story) Now I am sick and at work...I need a distraction. Thankfully there is an app perfectly suited for that:
It's called Pandora, and I assume it needs no introduction. Perfect way to stay entertained and to be introduced to new music! Sadly, all that headphone action makes me feel all antisocial and lonely...but propitiously theres an app for that:
Actually there are many. Pick your flavor-Facebook, Twitter, or just good old texting, e-mailing, and even that other thing that people sometimes use phones for. Needless to say, I have no excuse for feeling desolate with the iPhone. However, all those friends like to party and eat out often, and the weight can easily add up. Oppurtunely, (you guessed it) there is an app for that:
It's called LoseIt and it's the perfect way to keep track of my caloric intake/outtake and to finally feel personal responsibility for my own weight. (A sobering experience to be sure)
Responsibility requires organization though. (Insert your favorite adverb here), there is an app for that: ToDo.
Rigid checklists tend to limit spontaneity though, so I use...actually I'm not gonna give you this one. Go wander around in the app store a little. Be free. Find an app that helps you be as spontaneous as possible but just make sure to enter your selections below at exactly 8:00pm EST.
My question then is this: Is my iPhone really making my life any easier, when it is causing all of the problems that it ultimately solves? A deep question, and one beyond the level of my education to consider. So I leave it to you dear readers. Does your phone make your life easier? Really?