Plugged In, NYC

Plugged In, NYC. Androids, Blackberries, Ipods, Iphones, smartphones . . . the list of toys that allows New Yorkers to stay plugged or tuned in is endless. I’ve never felt comfortable with the idea of walking busy New York City streets while plugged into a constant stream of music or data. I find the act of walking itself a pleasurable activity from which I need no distraction. Listening to music is also an activity that I like to focus my full attention on. The idea of maneuvering some of the busiest intersections in the world without my full faculties on alert is, frankly, rather frightening. I’ve witnessed too many accidents over the years caused by inattention or distraction. The notion that the human mind can multi-task efficiently is an urban myth that has been debunked by sound research. Pay attention to what you are doing and you will do it better and safer.

This photo was captured with my pocket digital camera, an Olympus SP-350 at the intersection of 42nd St. & Fifth Ave. in New York City. I used Fotosketcher to add a digital watercolor effect and frame to this image.