Technology Lamentations

O my wireless anguish.  I grieve as two beloved establishments…nay – not establishments – Sanctuaries – have closed within the past two months.  Places that meant much to me throughout the past twenty years.  Places of congregating.  Places that hold stories and memories.  Places where I always have to go to the bathroom because my body finally relaxes from all of its crazy tensions.  Places.  Places.  I’m living in a world that’s losing its places!

I recognize the value of technology as much as the next person.  Father forgive me – I even subscribe to Netflix!  Oh the shame.  But I’ve long-held that ultimately technology’s biggest social impact is that it keeps us in our homes.  The more technology advances and becomes accessible to the general public – the less we get out of our hovels.  The less we meet our neighbors.  The less we interact and congregate.  Hands down – the friends I have who are most giddy about gadgets are the same people who always seem to detest people the most.  I’m not saying this is a rule.  I’m just saying.

Goodbye SRO Video with your creaky floors and awesome selections.  My name was under my dad’s name on your crazy database.  Ronald Bowles and Jon Bowles.  Always checking out great movies.  Thanks for being open late – a gold light shining from a welcoming window on those nights when me and JD craved Hitchcock.

Borders at 91st & Metcalf – I don’t know what life is like without you.  I walked into the hallowed room where I used to read, converse, and create.  Where I brought my children and saw fascination in their eyes.  Cafe shut down and dark.  Chairs stacked on tables.  Vultures plundering your shelves for closing sales.  They don’t know.  They don’t care.  You are violated.  I feel woe.

Convenience is killing the places I used to go.

I hope Mexican food never becomes wireless.  I can’t imagine losing Jalapenos.

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