Teched Off

Technology and I are not good friends. I don’t even own a cell phone-—something that astounds most people today. Many seriously wonder how I get by without one. The answer, I’m proud to report, is quite peacefully.

I do, however, own a DVD player. It was a gift from a friend who got tired of me complaining about the newer releases’ limited availability in VHS format.

Coincidentally, my VHS player was a gift from the same friend, years earlier, in response to my rants about the lack of decent television programming.

Now, I’m being cautioned that my TV will become obsolete in a matter of months unless I purchase a contraption to convert to a digital signal. Of course, I can also go out and spend good money on a new system. But, the upshot is, I resent being bullied into purchasing new equipment when I have a perfectly good alternative. It seems to fly in the face of all the hubbub about sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives and waste in general.

Although I’m not pleased, I know there is nothing I can do about it. And, 2009 is not that far off. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go vent to my gadget-gifting friend.