Walter Kirn of The Atlantc paints a very clear picture of the impact of multitasking on our lives. His insights at times seem a little over dramatized, but the underlying truth is undeniable—we are killing our individual intelligence by constantly switching from task to task. Our brains are not computer chips and do not function the same way. This idea of multitasking has become packaged and sold by the likes of Microsoft, mobile phone makers, and the growth of the internet.
Mr. Kirn offers personal anecdotes as to why he has distanced himself all the distracting devices (phones, computers, etc) and style of working. With supporting evidence he dispels the myth that multitasking makes one more productive. Unfortunately, though he brings us to the problem he offers few solutions.
Many people and companies have stepped into this category. There is Microsoft Outlook and task lists, Apple’s iCal, IBM Lotus Notes, and a myriad of online services which promote more productivity with less clicks. The problem with all of these are they require a significant investment in technology—namely a computer. I think the real solution will come from the recognition that we must be more self-reliant. That is to say, we must do more without the aid of an electronic device.
To begin, let us start with simple memorization. Try to remember the phone numbers of our top five contacts. Like the T-Mobile myFaves, I will remember the phone numbers of the five people I call most. Next, let us do the same with email addresses. They have become the de-facto phone number in the new century, so let us start there.
Next, I want to get rid of all the electronic beeps and interruptions. The microwave beeps when the 30 second cook cycle is completed. Do I really need a reminder of what I did a half-minute ago? My mobile phone beeps on text messages, voice mails, emails, and more. Let’s reduce the distractions.
I can go on. I bet the more we begin to actually use our brains for information retrieval and cognition rather than the typical google meta search, we will be better off. I will be able to do more in the same amount of time because my brain will not suffer the switch from one thing to the next.
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Retread Sessions and YACHTmake a music videoon the streets of Austin. No. 3 YACHT - “See a Penny Pick it up” fromRetread Sessions onVimeo. I just joined Vimeo, where I plan to launch my video rockstar career. That, and my advertising copywriter career. These hipster kids look like they are from Austin. I lived there for a few years, and it was a fun time. I like this song.
This is Flock, a new kind of web browser. I don’t know if all you hipster kids are into this social networking and media, but this web browser wants to connect people using all these services. For the more tech-savvy of you in the group, you will notice that Flock looks amazingly similar to Firefox.
Yes, it does. It comes from the same place, but this browser is not for everyone. It is integrated with media sites such as flickr, youtube, photobucket, and delicious. Those of you who are online media and news whores will love this.
Flock is more than a web browser. It is a horrible, torturous device put on the internet to further degrade the productivity of those with ADD. Try it out. You might find it easier to manage all those photo, email, and social networking accounts.
Two words, kids–Ted Talks. For those of you who do now know what Ted is, you need to catch up. Every year the best minds are invited to give a short talk on a particular subject. It lasts for several days, and the speakers are usually incredibly accomplished and successful. One such talk this year was by Dave Eggers.
He started 826 Valencia, a non-profit writing workshop with a pirate supply store in the front. It is kind of like Derek Zoolander’s center for kids who can’t read good and do other things, except a buccaneer can re-supply. The story he tells is interesting.
First, he recounts the beginnings of 826. Next, he tells of how his friends in Brooklyn started a similar workshop. Only this instead of a pirate supply shop it was a super hero supply store. Los Angeles has one based on Time Travel. In such a short time since the inception of 826 Valencia, similar workshops have popped up over the country. They all have this entertaining and charming retail component in the front combined with a publishing workshop in the back. Next, he quickly gets into how the public (you and me, dummy) can get involved. There is something very clever in the way Mr. Eggers combines volunteerism and education with a quirky sense of humor. Changing the faces of the centers from places of social stigma (kids nor performing well) to places where kids run to after school is fascinating. It engages the kids as much as it does the volunteers. Now, if only Miami had one…
These guys should be the soundtrack to the Suicide Girls. Better yet, I will be the photographer and play this while we shoot.
I am not a music critic. Nor do I play any instruments. However, I appreciate the hell out of music. Louis XIV was one of my first introductions to indie music. They have a sound which others have described as a 70s glam rock. I don’t know about all that, but I love the sound. The album is one which can run from start to finish, all the way through, and it is thoroughly entertaining.
Also, they have a new album coming out January 29. It promises to be a good one. There are two sample tracks posted on the website.
These guys should be the soundtrack to the