Blackberryphilia
Blackberry addiction is once again in the news. President-elect Obama is a heavy Blackberry user and a variety of government rules appear to have the device destined to the sock drawer for a few years. (I recently had a conversation with a German about this who advised me that the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, is a total SMS addict and had the law adapted to her digital needs.).
While Im sure the President-elect is going to have MUCH bigger issues to deal with, I would support a change that allows SMS and mobile mail to be used by the Pres. Why stand in the way of societal technology trends?
But, of course, there are always people who give the Blackberry a bad name. (No-- I am not talking about myself despite the pictures below from Europe which my wife took).
Enjoying Paris:
And Berlin:
A fairly recent study conducted by that bastion of scientific research, Sheraton Hotels, fond that a whopping 35% of executives would chose their Blackberry over their spouse. " I can't live without it," was a common refrain.
The study, which included some 6500 executives, also noted that 87% of those polled bring their device (smartphone) into the bedroom. 84% check their mail just before they go to sleep. And, in one stat I had to read more than once, 85% check their email once in the middle of the night!
These people are really sick. I feel comparatively healthy and normal. I've printed out the whole study to show my wife how well adjusted I am compared to these sickos!
Yes, I think the Blackberry is a great productivity tool (in addition to being an electronic ball and chain). Yes, I think it is great that, when necessary, you can be connected anywhere, anytime. But there are limits.
One psychologist's comment on the study's findings: "Turn it off...Have a real relationship with a living human being." Or as Bob Parsons would say, "We're not here for a long time; We're here for a good time."
Posted by Warren Adelman at 11/23/2008 10:58 AM 
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: blackberry godaddy RIM addiction
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: blackberry godaddy RIM addiction
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/01/08/obama-not-giving-up-blackberry-without-a-fight/
In June, my wife and I went to Vegas for our 10th anniversary. Accidentally left the Crackberry on the kitchen island, and didn't discover it until halfway to Sky Harbor. Ended up being the best trip I've taken in a long time.
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Glad it worked out for you. I need to try that. Have my wife lose the device <g>
We will see how the President elect manages.
Thanks for the post and good luck in 2009.
Warren
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I find it ironic that I am reading this blog entry at 4:33 am. But I am not sure that makes me a 'sicko'. You see, there is nothing to watch on tv....
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