"Not literally, as in no power or anything. But I have been seriously pondering what life would be like if I turned off the cable for a year and put all of my computers and videogames in storage.

I would still go out to see movies, and still visit the library to get on the internet once in awhile, and of course I would have a phone line. But I think "unplugging" myself from all of this extra digital nonsense might have some really interesting effects on my life.

I think too often people build these great "Entertainment Fortresses" and then forget that there is a whole world full of awesome and fascinating sh!t outside, waiting to be explored. Hell, I live no more than a hundred feet away from arguably one of the most beautiful and pristine dive sites in the world -- and I look out of my office window at the gorgeous blue and green waters and smile befure turning my attention back to World of Warcraft.

I'm about sick of it. I'll bet that for 99% of us there are dozens, if not hundreds of interesting, exciting and culturally enriching things to do or see right in our local areas! What the hell are we doing?? We were not made to sit and rot away on the internet. I'm ready to start checking some boxes. I was twenty one years old a few days ago. I woke up one morning and *BAM* I'm twenty seven. WTF happened?

Has anyone ever done this or thought about it? Tell me I'm not alone.

(...Now the hard part will be tearing my wife away from her precious laptop...)"

"I think you misunderstand me. I have no intention of actually living "off the grid" it was just a clever title. I just meant getting away from Cable and leading a more active lifestyle.

AHB- I understand what you mean about WoW. I've been playing for about 3 years, the first 2 I was like a zombie myself. Last year or so however, I haven't been *as* committed to the game, and I am starting to lose interest. "

"OK this is coming from an ancient 40 yr. old who has lived most of his life without video games, cable and internet. I've discovered all these things in the last year and a half and my life isn't any better as a matter of fact its worse.

Since I stepped away from all these things I've lost about 15 lbs., discovered reading again and remain blissfully ignorant about current affairs and anything to do with the outside world. I honestly believe thats how man was meant to live. Do we really need to know whats going on where or whos doin' who? We all get so wrapped up in what others are doing around us that we forget about....ourselves.

For the love of all thats good and holy step away every now and then and LIVE. "This is your life and its ending one minute at a time."~Fight Club."