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It's clearly a very special month because, despite there only being 30 days in it, we've, somehow, managed to squeeze in three Speak Your Brains.
"But, Steverino," I hear you cry. "How are those who are new to this site meant to know what that even means?"
This is what it means.
That topic could be about what's new or about what's old or about whatever the word is for something that's in between being old and new.
Therefore, feel free to make use of the comments section below, to register that topic. And then we shall discover just what the world makes of it.
Posts
9 comments:
Since this is a slightly older readership, in the main (well, judging only from the comments, that is)…
How’s your attention span these days? Are you finding it shorter than it used to be in the pre-smartphone age? I certainly am.
This is prompted by preparing for our holiday in September and the fact that my wife and I have a strict no iPhones policy for the duration. It allows you to relax and concentrate properly like in the old days.
I’m finding it a problem these days. Does anyone else feel a bit fragmented?
Sorry it’s such a serious question.
Matthew - Yes, my attention span's reduced, too.
In the 1990s, I'd stay up late, watching long movies. Nowadays, my concentration span won't hack it. Plus, almost everything seems like a cliche/retread. Even historical documentaries which I used to watch a lot, I often can't go the distance with, now. I scan the '9 pm slot', for shows lasting an hour - not films, or long documentaries. Blaze TV (even shows which aren't good) often serve as 'background'. Short 1970s/80s sitcoms are good, too. I also watch the News, even though it's depressing garbage - plus the offered 'slant' often annoys me, too. Watching Youtube videos/plus probably age-related concentration loss, I suppose. I concentrate best, when reading in bed - but I don't last as long at that, either - unlike when I was young and read for hours at a time!
Phillip
Matthew, thanks for the topic. I wouldn't say my attention span's shortened. I'd say it's widened. These days, I seem to feel a need to be doing multiple activities at once, such as watching a film, Googling things and checking my emails all at the same time.
I was wondering why the battery on my iPad was so low every morning and I've now worked out why.
Normally in the evening, I'll be reading a book on the kindle and maybe checking the news or SDC on the iPad in between chapters. In the morning the battery's still at 60% or whatever.
But now the World Cup's on and I find myself playing games or browsing the web at the same time as I'm watching the football. And in the morning the battery's down at 20%.
Very easy to slip into bad habits.
But more generally for attention span, hopefully spending a few hours painting 12-15 hours/month should keep me sharp, touch wood.
Gold star.
Yes. It is a well documented addiction: the constant need for a distraction because of the “thrill” it gives the brain..
I find myself interrupting my work constantly to “take a hit” from the “internet.” That would mean personal emails, news aggregators, Talk Sport, France 24, STEVE DOES COMICS… like every 10 minutes?
Work app slow to download? Take a hit.
On a boring conference call? Take a hit.
Stuck at a stop light? Take a hit.
Droppin a deuce? Take a hit.
Because of the additction I cant stay focused for any length of time if the phone is with me In the sense that I keep wanting a hit.
That said it is an easy addiction to break. Just out the phone down or leave the house without it. It’s not like giving up booze or cigs or narcotics; there are no withdrawal symptoms . But man, once its back in my hands, down the rabbit hole I fall.
Joe P
Matthew- actually, my attention span seems to be a bit longer than it used to be. Perhaps it's a side effect of retirement, having more time available; but now I can spend an hour or more just listening to music, or reading. I'll watch a full-length movie (pausing only to take the dog out) with no issues.
Steve- ah, a multitasker! Not something I can manage. Employers always like those who can do several things at once...
DM if you could elaborate on your “ painting 12-15 hours a month to stay sharp” I would appreciate it. I retire on December 31 and though i have a ton of things i want to do, if retirement is like my current weekend mornings, i’ll spend a few hours each morning taking a hit from the internet instead of doing something enriching.
Joe P
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