Going Up!

Elevators have been saving ware and tear on human joints for years...they have also been a culprit in creating an even lazier human existence.


http://www.has.vcu.edu/psy/cpsd/anxiety/index.html

Unnecessary? Yes! Elevators have their purpose but come on people, really? The buildings on Eastern Washington University's campus are no more than four floors tall and yet I see massive amounts of students and faculty taking the elevator three floors, two floors, even one floor up or down. What has happened to our ability to take a few stares? What has happened to our ability to walk? Elevators are an evil temptress just seducing you into a state of lethargy as it calms you with its quirky noises and soothing music. In the United States especially a large population have taken shortcuts that are now apparent in our overwhelming problem with obesity and laziness. Maybe a few stairs wouldn't hurt when it comes to weight gain prevention? I know I personally could go without MIDI file caliber music and the often awkward physical contact a crowded elevator provides.

Necessary? Yes. Although it is true that elevators make us lazier and use unnecessary electricity there are still pertinent uses. There are those who are genuinely handicapped and cannot use the stairs. There are also the elderly who sometimes don't have the spry bodies they once had. And finally buildings over, let's say, 10 floors should have an elevator. Showing up to a board meeting or class drenched in sweat doesn't ever make a good impression.

...I took the elevator today to the third floor of a building.

Turn Left in 300 feet...

Global Positioning Systems, or GPS devices, are a must have for those on the go. Finding that elusive restaurant, navigating through a foreign city, or the long road trip all are much easier, not to mention less stressful, with the aid of GPS device.


http://www.itechnews.net/tag/gps-devices/

Unnecessary? Yes! Traveling has become much more popular with a larger population but getting lost still plagues many...in steps the GPS. Where were we before the GPS though? We had those paper things all folded and rolled...oh yah, MAPS! Half the fun of a road trip used to come from navigating the trip, deciding what turns to take, hidden shortcuts and just being one with the road. GPS devices have taken this aspect out of traveling. Instead of the perplexing reading of a map whilst driving, our favorite road tunes are interrupted by the tinny voice emitted from the GPS mounted front and center. "Turn left in 300 feet and get in the left hand lane..." "In a half a mile take Exit 179 on your right and proceed straight for 13 miles..." These are all the GPS generation know about the joys of traveling.

There are also cases of GPS mishaps in which drivers have both endangered their own lives as well as those of others on the road. Orman Sussman of Santa Fe, New Mexico was driving home from work when he hit traffic and queried for an alternate route only to find himself swerving through mountain roads for a half an hour finally having to slam on his brakes coming to a dead end that opened into a massive gorge. (1.)

There have also been numerous cases of wrong directions, swerving into oncoming traffic and hitting dead ends when drivers use GPS devices.

With prices in GPS systems lowering the device is becoming increasingly popular. Drivers will ultimately have to take the cons with the pros when using their personal Magellan. (Which is also a brand of GPS devices...)

Necessary? Maybe...It can be argued that the GPS device frees up hands while driving and map reading by a driver could potentially cause an accident. There are also those who are map illiterate and wouldn't survive without a GPS. A sport has arisen out of GPS devices known as geocaching that combines technology with hunting down "treasure." Hunters and hikers also benefit from GPS devices when scouting locations and in the event that they become lost.

...I have used a GPS device on multiple occasions.


(1). (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?articleID=20080329_5_E4_spanc44056)

MAC ATTACK!

Dashboards, docks, widgets oh my! The "Mac Craze" has taken the world by storm and settled primarily in the young, hip demographics. The Apple iMac and MacBook have been all the rage especially with college students.


http://www.yah.in/

Unnecessary? Yes! College students in particular have little reason to shell out hard earned money for a computer they could have easily bought for much cheaper from another company. Minimum wage jobs, credit card bills, student loans, car payments and a multitude of other responsibilities create empty bank accounts. To throw on top of that a computer that does little more than a PC other than its quirky layout is ludicrous. The iMac starts at $1,199.00 and sports a 20-inch monitor and a 320GB hard drive and the MacBook starts at $999.00 with only a 13-inch display and 120GB hard drive. Although these prices don't seem extremely outrageous the question is still begged, why would a college student pay so much when they can get what they need for nearly half these prices? For example Dell computers offers the Inspiron 15 laptop for only $399.00 and touts a 15.6" display and a 160GB hard drive. Dell also gives you the option of upgrading to a 320GB hard drive, twice the memory, and twice the warranty for a whopping total of $699.00, $300.00 less than the MacBook! Desktops are no different. Dell offers the Inspiron Desktop for $469.00 which includes a 17" monitor and a 320GB hard drive.

Dell is just one example of college-friendly pricing. There are countless others as well as sites online that offer deals much better than that of your local electronic store. One I frequent is http://www.newegg.com. You may not always find what you are looking for but more often than not I have been happily surprised with their stock and prices.

Necessary? No! The only necessity of a Mac computer for a college student is to appear that you are on par with societal standards. There is nothing like that feeling of pulling your MacBook out in class and receive gawking stares at your sleek, stylish, completely unecessary accessory.

...I own a Mac.