Reflections of a ModemJunkie
                       by Leonard Grossman

     In the words of the great Oliver J. Dragon, " All I want for
Christmas is . . ."  

     The holidays are upon us so its time to begin my wish list. 
It should be easy.  There are so many new toys out there.  A P5
with 16 meg of RAM would be nice, at least a gig hard drive and
multimedia of course.  Make sure the modem is a 28.8.  Better
throw in a flat bed scanner so I can upload some graphics and so
I can fax forms and docs through the machine.  While I'm at it
why not an ISDN line until the cable modems hit the market.   

     Of course, that's only for the house, then I need a laptop
with an active matrix screen, no less than 8 meg of RAM, a 28,8
PCMCIA modem. Then I can take the Internet on the road.  
(Cellular modem?? - No that can wait until next year)   Don;t
forget the extra batteries.

     And for the family, there are great CD's out there: cook
books, planners, graphics, prep programs for the SAT.  An e-mail
box for my wife (my daughter, Sarah's already got her own).  Of
course when I get the P5 Sarah gets the pawn shop special. So, in
a way, she benefits form the P5, too.  Maybe we need a 3rd phone
line or possibly a 4th.

     And we still don't have cable.  While we're at it, How about
a big screen t.v.--with surround sound.  Of course, that'll mean
new speakers--better get new book cases for the living room...and
a new sofa. 

     Wait a minute.  Something is missing here.  Maybe Ollie had
a point.  I don't need my two front teeth, but maybe we need to
be a little more personal.  Maybe there are other values at this
time of year.

     Maybe we need to listen to each other a little more.  Maybe
we are beginning to live in virtual bubbles.  This on line time
is isolating.  Communicating with the world but not each other.
The t.v. is better, at least there are some shared activities. 
But it still is lacking.  How about a walk in the snow.  Let's
make angels.  And then good conversation over hot chocolate or
steaming cider.

     And let's slow down and smell the coffee.  What do our loved
ones want besides gift certificates to the Gap and Nordstroms. 
Can we learn to hear them better? Can we learn to hear ourselves
a little better, too?  What do I want for the coming year? Or
even for the next 5 minutes.  What do I _really_ want?  Does all
this technology warm me inside?  Or does it sometimes keep me
from looking too close.

     All I want for.... Oh I want a lot.  And don't get me wrong,
the techno stuff is nice . . . and I hope we all upgrade and
update and download to our heart's content.  But let us also face
this season with resolve to listen to our hearts and the hearts
of those around us.

     Midwinter festivals are bright and sparkling to dispel the
gloom of the shortest days and longest nights.  And shiny toys
can help.  But let us also remember that technology should serve
people. It's not the other way around.

     Let me wish you and yours a happy holiday season and the
brightest of new years.

comments to: grossman@mcs.com
Copyright 1995 Leonard Grossman