14 DAY TRIAL // As I was saying earlier, there's no piece of ground on the entire Earth that remains immune to the iPod phenomena. And perhaps most affected by Apple's demonic, yet so loved creation, is the Big Apple itself, New York. Why am I saying this? Well, because the iPod is sooo evil it might be banned on the streets of New York. You may have thought gangs, drugs, weapons and criminals are threatening the well-being of New Yorkers. No, it's the iPod!
News today reports that the New York state Senator Carl Kruger, has proposed a 100 US dollars fine for anyone spotted crossing a major city street on foot or bicycle while listening to an iPod, talking on a cell phone, playing a video game or sending a text message. Why? The Brooklyn Democrat says three people have been killed since September in New York City when they stepped out in front of cars while listening to their iPods.
The State Senator seems to think that by giving fines to people because they're listening to music while walking the dangerous streets of New York will decrease the number of casualties of traffic accidents. All in favor say 'I'!
Well, this is just a proposition and probably will not be a legal matter anytime soon. As ridiculous as this ban may sound, it could help people in more ways than protecting them from being hit by a car. Recent human studies show the use of iPods and other similar devices that enable one to ignore the surrounding environment encourage people to less human interaction. This will mean poor communication and social skills and more lonely, angry people.
So, next time in New York or wherever, take off your headphones, smile and say 'Hello' to the person waiting besides you for the green light (unless you suspect s/he's a criminal, in which case you should probably remain lost in the surrounding quality sound of your iPod and slowly step away).