The Oracle

Once upon a time, in the long long ago, in early April:

Then came April 30th:

Without fail.

Kara (n.)- any person or thing believed to indicate future action with infallible authority

April Totals: 125.70 miles run; 20.25 miles hiked; 8.51 miles biked.
2012 Running Total: 347.41 miles

Could you go for a year without internet?  This blogger dude claims he is going to do that.

However, the article mentions, “You can check back for updates on The Verge [a tech news site where he is a senior editor], where he will post diary entries about twice per week.”

Uhh, that’s still using the internet, buddy.  I don’t care if you are handing your article on a thumb drive to a coworker to upload, you’re still benefitting from the internet because your work, which is posted on the internet, is generating your paycheck.

I know I would have a hard time giving up the internet for a year (or a week).  The reasons that immediately come to mind?

• Internet banking.  I’m pretty sure my checking account is free because I DON’T go into branches.  Yes, I know how to balance a checkbook, but I also pay all my bills online except rent.  Which saves me the cost of stamps, envelopes, and something like half a percent of interest on my student loans.
• Weather. You mean I’d have to buy a thermometer or just step out the door to know the temperature?
• Email. Primary mode of communication with family and friends. I’m not a huge phone-talker.
• Job Postings. Not in print too often anymore.  When I applied for jobs straight out of grad school, it was maybe 50/50 for paper vs. online applications.  Now?  Probably at least 80% of the listings I have seen want you to submit your documents electronically.
• Garmin Connect. I guess Garmin has a non-internet program for uploading your runs, but I haven’t used it before. Otherwise, needing to calculate paces and projecting race times for different distances by hand would require me to brush off my dusty math skills.

Some benefits to life without internet.  I’m sure there are many more:

• I’d probably spend more time outside or reading books. Or both.
• I prefer online shopping over malls, which can make me stabby… so I would spend less money.

How long could you last without the internet? (I say that includes email).