San Antonio

This week I was in San Antonio presenting at the College English Association annual conference. This time around I presented on my recently developed analysis of the 2009 film (500) Days of Summer. The title of the recent version of the presentation/article is (500) Days of Summer: A Story of Minimalism and Curbed Punk. You may see the full program of the conference here.

In addition to meeting some very interesting presenters, going to sessions full of new research, and participating in my own session, I got to do what I try to do every time I travel: check out the places the locals recommend best. This is where I praise the iPhone again. While I now seem to be more of a reticent fan of this life-facilitating gadget, it's only apropos that I tip the hat to it every now and again. Traveling is much more enjoyable and much less stressful when one relies on it. Without a doubt. The many apps allow one to make the most of the experience and it is nigh impossible to get lost when relying on it.

Naturally, I made it a point to check out the Alamo and the River Walk. If you're ever visiting in Texas, do check out San Antonio. The people are friendly, the weather is spectacular, the food lives up to the reputation, and the River Walk begs for attention.


The following pictures were taken on the Alamo grounds and the River Walk. All photos @ BR

 Subscribe to HetPer

 Subscribe to Gendering the Media Podcast

Gadget Mania

This morning as I was running my errands I found myself getting restless by the minute. I wondered why that was as the anxiety was of a distinctly different nature. It was nuanced by a kind of emergency I had yet to experience. I did a run-down of my routine and all seemed in order. All minus one thing, that is.

I had forgotten to bring my iPhone along.

If I'm walking or waiting in line somewhere I use the opportunity to read the news, email, or text and satisfy an array of multi-tasking inclinations. Gadgets like the iPhone succeed in claiming your attention because they are just that well deserving of your attention. They, more often than not, produce the right info. Not only that, they're quick and they don't waste time by producing a litany of 'uhms,' 'you knows,' and 'likes.' How many humans can we say this about, folks?

I was away from it for about ninety minutes today and I don't think I've ever hurried that much to get home. Under other circumstances, I would have checked into the nearest Betty Form clinic for the clinically addicted to iPhones and other such über-cool gadgets. Instead, I realized that I, like millions of others, have long fallen into the unavoidable lap of trickery of the iPhone. For, once a user, always a user.

And yet somehow I didn't try to rectify the problem and get all 'zen.' I suppose I know who I'm dealing with so I gladly give in. Because, after all, I do know that just when I start to think I'm out, it, the gadget, will find a way to pull me right back in.





 Subscribe to HetPer
 Subscribe to Gendering the Media Podcast