As I write this blog entry I am pedaling a recumbent exercise bike, listening to CNN in an air conditioned room, and typing on my Blackberry with my thumbs. Some might say that I am no longer in touch with nature.
Personally, I feel that I have way too much nature in my life now. There are still bugs that make it in through the cracks, and dangerous sunlight assaulting me through windows. And don’t get me started about the ragweed, malaria and bird flu barf that’s looking for an unlocked door.
In my perfect world, I’d have some sort of prophylactic outer barrier around the entire building in case any nature tried to penetrate to the inner core. Every minute or so the inner space between barriers would be flushed and the contents piped directly to the pup tent of some flannel wearing person who appreciates an occasional infected mosquito. It’s a win-win scenario.
I’m not technically a cyborg, but I’m working toward it. Already I draw comics to earn money to power the machines that are at this moment: a) in my hand, b) under my buttocks, and c) filling my ears. I have a symbiotic relationship with these devices no different in principle than the agreement I have with my own liver. I do my part and the liver, Blackberry, exercise bike and TV do theirs.
But in all fairness, after I drink my fourth martini, my mechanical devices aren’t a bunch of quitters. So I have favorites, yes.