iUniverse: the Apple of my i

Supposedly, Apple is now the nation’s most successful brand. I’m not surprised. After years of carping at the Windows blue screen of death, I made the leap about 5 years ago. No regrets. A lot of people say it’s because all their technology meshes so seamlessly. While that’s true, part of my loyalty to the brand comes from the cosmic bubble that my iPhone extends around me wherever I go. A friend recently told me that his iPhone has now superseded food on his needs hierarchy; he can go without food far longer than he can be apart form his iPhone.

I made a huge leap when I bought mine. Went from what was essentially a Gitterbug to the iPhone. I was assimilated rather quickly. Games, nav. apps, email, browsers, calenders, music, etc. were now an integral part of my arm. Like those apes at the beginning of 2001, I find myself trying to perform tricks on its smooth surface to curry its favor. Come to think of it, it looks just like that monolith in 2001. Same proportions, knowledge giver. Hmmmm.



But back to the cosmic bubble. With my ear buds and the iPhone I find that I can completely remove myself from this universe for extended periods of time. Take walking and commuting to work, for example. I walk a couple of miles with the music playing at a level that would drown out the bulls at Pamplona. No commercials or talk radio to mess with my mental state. I have play lists for every mood. I can’t hear anybody calling some annoying greeting or asking about my day. Anybody I really want to talk with can gently insert themselves into my consciousness by calling me on the cell if it’s really necessary.

When I get to the station to wait for the MAX train, being preoccupied with something on the screen, keeps almost all of the panhandlers at bay as well. On the train, the music and games keep me from noticing the mentally ill people who usually ride the train talking to themselves. Historically, one had to feign appearing busy to be left alone - now I can actually keep busy with the iPhone. Anyone who dares to disturb my oasis can clearly see that I'm busy listening to Blue Oyster Cult while playing Angry Birds! I am a universe unto myself.