Questioning the Value of Public Reading

In summary, the conversation revolves around the use of portable devices, such as iPods and Pocket PCs, in public places. Some believe that people use these devices to show off their wealth or intelligence, while others argue that it is simply a way to pass time during a commute. There is also a discussion about the safety concerns of using these devices in certain areas.
  • #36
I ride train about an hour ride one way, and I always listen to my music. Dont have an iPod, but I do have my music on the Zaurus SL5000D PDA. I had to code this linux-based bad boy so that when I turn it on, it plays whatever mp3s I have on the CF card, and then shuts off the screen to conserve batteries.

About reading. I do feel sometimes as if others 'perceive' me as being somewhat condoscending when I take out a book to read. The fact is I don't have enough time in the day to do all the tasks required of me, and an hour on the train is just as valuable as an hour for lunch for example, and then there is this "i don't give a crap what you think" attitude too. There are too many people riding NYC subways, and not everyone is pleasant or understanding of other peoples' needs and desires.

Not to sound like a hippy, but everyone should respect other people's "bubble" - a sphere of air at least 5 inches in diameter from their outer skin
 
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  • #37
shmoe said:
I found it hard not to know this, from the ipod ads and my weekly browse through gadget store flyers.

I guess I just have a natural tendency to tune out ads. If I'm shopping for something specific, I'll start looking through the flyers to see if they have a better price on what I want, but otherwise, they go straight from the doorstep to the recycle bin (now if I could just catch whoever walks around with those bundles of flyers left on my door every Sunday, I'd put an end to it once and for all...what a waste of paper; plus they stick them in a little plastic bag that isn't big enough to reuse for anything and doesn't even protect the flyers from the rain, so most of the time I end up with soggy flyers anyway).
 
  • #38
I can't believe they have an article about it.

Road rage was listed under a class of mental illness, and I wouldn't be surprised if the case a above also gets listed under that list.

Note: Road rage is only normal to a certain extent, which isn't very high. If you actually stepped out of the car to yell at someone, you have problems.
 
  • #39
Moonbear said:
(now if I could just catch whoever walks around with those bundles of flyers left on my door every Sunday, I'd put an end to it once and for all...what a waste of paper; plus they stick them in a little plastic bag that isn't big enough to reuse for anything and doesn't even protect the flyers from the rain, so most of the time I end up with soggy flyers anyway).

Can you put up a "Please, no flyers" sign, or is that ignored where you are?

I can't help it, I'm always looking for deals so any Future Shop, Staples, Best Buy, etc. ads that come through my door are read. You never know when a great opportunity to get Staples to price match something will come up and you can get a $100 scanner for $30. :smile: Grocery store ads are a must too, it's always a good time to stock up on discount ice cream or chocolate.
 
  • #40
heh Moony, do you ever work? :smile:
 
  • #41
shmoe said:
Grocery store ads are a must too, it's always a good time to stock up on discount ice cream or chocolate.

Okay, now I can admit to my snobbery. I'm an ice cream snob. I don't like the cheap ice cream, so would never stock up on it. And the good ice cream is a vice I can't control, so I only buy it a pint at a time or else I won't stop eating it (I indulge myself once a month at most; I figure if I don't eat it often, I can afford to get the really good stuff from the local ice creamery :approve:).
 
  • #42
I actually prefer a modest Breyers or Chapmans to the richer Ben&Jerry types. I guess I just never developed a taste for it, which is good since the quantities I prefer could be financially damaging :smile:. I'm a definite maple syrup snob though, that fake junk just won't cut it. And the no name brand "maple flavoured goo"? Blechh.
 
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