If Loving Stuff Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right

Posted on | November 25, 2004 at 11:22 am | 2 Comments

Lists of things to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day usually concentrate on more spiritual matters (friends, family, health, moral issues, etc.). In keeping more with the theme of Distance Redefined, I thought I’d buck that trend and list a few of the more materialistic things I’m thankful for…

* Athletic Shoes. They’re not just for running, though they do make running a lot easier. They’re so damn comfy, I want to wear them all the time.

* Atomic (Radio Controlled) Watches and Clocks. Now I know the exact time, down to the second, no matter where I am. So I know exactly how late I am.

* Credit Card acceptance everywhere and Electronic Fund Transfers. I’m getting close to never having to write a check or go to the bank ever again. Remember back when grocery stores wouldn’t take credit cards? What was up with that? Those were the bad old days.

* DVRs (Digital Video Recorders). How did I ever watch TV any other way?

* MP3 players. I probably would be getting a lot less exercise if it wasn’t for my iPod.

* New Music (especially new bands). After a dry couple of years, the music industry has really gotten its act together for 2004. Lots of great albums this year from people like Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Ted Leo, Shalini, Dogs Die In Hot Cars, Interpol, The Features, Starflyer 59, AC Newman, etc. It’s going to be easy, yet hard, to make that Top 10 (15?) list.

* Nintendo DS. Okay, I just bought this and there aren’t a lot of games for it yet, but it’s still a pretty cool little gadget. I didn’t think I would like controlling things with a touchscreen/stylus, but I really do. It adds a whole new dimension to game play. I think I may finally be able to get the hang of First Person Shooters with this.

* Nutrasweet. The Other White Powder. Where would I be without it in my soda, on my grapefruit, in my decaf, on my cereal…?

* Online Retailers. Someday, I’ll never have to set foot in a mall again. And hey, the shipping is usually less than the sales tax would be (for now).

* Optical Mice. Though I do miss cleaning the little ball.

* Personal Finance software. Still probably the #2 use for my home PC, after e-mail/Internet. Makes bill paying and account balancing a breeze.

* Serial Shows on TV. I’m so glad these are becoming successful again, judging by the popularity of new shows such as Lost and Desperate Housewives. Though I suspect we have Reality TV to thank for this trend (since most reality TV is serial rather than episodic), and that tempers my enthusiasm a bit. I don’t think the Law & Orders and CSIs are going away anytime soon, but it’s good that there are alternatives for those of us who like meatier fare where characters are actually allowed to develop and plots to advance.

* TV Shows on DVD. Am I really going to sit down and watch every episode of Lost In Space? I don’t think so. But it’s nice to know it’s sitting there on my shelf if I want to relive my childhood for an afternoon.

* Vanilla Rice Dream in my cereal every morning. Gives me that little extra kick I need to get going. Who needs coffee?

* The Venture Brothers. Go Team Venture!

* Wireless Thermometers. So I always know the temperature outside and how to dress for running.

And to my friends – yes I guess I am thankful for you after all. Have a great day and try not to ingest things you morally object to! I guess I’m also thankful my family doesn’t read this.