Left in the dust

You remember how it's 2008? This guy with the portable DVD player has been watching movies on the bus the last couple of days. Forgive the fanboyism, but even iPod nano models play video now and still fits in your pocket. And if you're not inclined to follow Steve Jobs like a little lemming with square-rimmed glasses, there are all kinds of little electronic devices that can play videos. I've watched Kill Bill on my PSP, I've seen a guy watching the Spongebob Squarepants Movie on his Zune, and there are people who play on their laptops during the trip.At least he's upgraded from his cassette player. I don't know where my cassettes are any more, and even if I did, I don't have anything to play them on anymore.

While we're on the subject of entertainment technology on the bus, nothing beats a good book. You just have to recognize up front that your book is going to have a rough trip. I'm careful with my books, but my copy of Gravity's Rainbow will never be the same.