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Objects of Desire
What could you
not have in 1986 that you couldn't possibly live without in 2011? We posed this brain-teaser to our staff, and technology was definitely top of mind.
- 35% couldn't live without their mobile phone.
- 10% couldn't live without the Internet.
- 7% need a computer (or specifically a laptop) to continue to exist on this earth.
- 5% are TV addicts, requiring either HDTV, a DVR, a big screen or just basic cable in order to breathe.
- 1 person has a particular need for Google, and another could get by with "search-engine technology" in general.
- 1 person was deprived of a microwave in 1986 and now knows no other way to make popcorn — which must be what keeps the blood pumping through her veins.
- 1 person must have Nintendo Famicom: The Legend of Zelda or he'll die a slow, painful death.
Not everyone went for something that needs a battery or wall outlet to work . . .
8 people said they need their family, spouse or love to survive in 2011.
Another 8 seem to want to get away. Their greatest wants that they couldn't fulfill in 1986 were:
- Independence (2 people)
- Bike
- Mountain bike
- Car
- Driver's license
- My own home
- My running shoes and my own apartment
8 of our staff depend on liquid refreshment, specifically:
- Northwest microbrew. AKA beer.
- Beer
- Beer and wine
- Diet Dr. Pepper
- Coffee
- Starbucks hot chocolate
- A venti extra hot mocha from Starbucks — via drive-through
- Vodka
And 1 person, in contrast, remembers what life was like for her in 1986 and now lives on "solid foods."
Callout quotes:
"My analog synthesizers and drum machines." — Peter Schenk
"My ZUNE." — Steve Morin
"My flat iron!" — Holly Johnson