Rockin' Around the Computer Screen

It’s that time of the year again. It’s time to deck the halls, chug the egg nog, and start shopping for the recipients on your never ending list that seems to, well, never end.

The only problem? You’re family already has everything.

You could be really thoughtless and buy a couple dozen completely impersonal gift cards in the checkout line at Walgreens. Or you could go the ho-hum route and buy the tried and true yet again: a tie for dad, a CD player for the brother, gold clubs for Uncle Mark, cashmere sweater for Grandma (insert yawn here).

But if you really want to knock the stockings off your loved ones and show them that your truly care, put some thought into every gift and look no further than the internet.

Most everybody has either been the giver or receiver of a picture in a frame, capturing a special memory, from a friend or family member. But if you want to take the sentiment to the next level then make a photo mosaic (pictured) might be the answer. The crafty people on designmosaic.com make the whole process simple by allowing the creator to upload as many photos as they’d like and choose the main photo. Within one to two weeks a personalized mosaic made up of tiny thumbnails will be at your doorstep. The prices range from $19.99 to $49.99 depending on the size of the print and puts a clever twist on any picture.

For the environmentally-conscious in your life, look no further than inhabitat.com. Bike-chain picture frames, eco-friendly clothing, and solar-powered messenger bags are just a few of their specialty items. Any green-loving pal life is sure to be impressed and will proudly wear any of their organic clothing or accessories. The website has an assortment of such novel ideas as a necklace with a water faucet charm, reminding the wearer to save water. Their gifts are a little harsh on the wallet but definitely good for the Earth.

If you really want to get creative, cafepress.com can be a one-stop virtual shopping trip for any type of person on your list. Enabling just about anyone to feature their one-of-a-kind designs on clothing and other products, you might have to refrain from buying a few things for yourself (one for you, two for me?). For the family awaiting a soldier’s return, an entire category is devoted to t-shirts with sayings such as, “All I want for Christmas is my daddy to come home”. Funny slogans such as “My boyfriend can beat up yours” or political statements like “Defend marriage against what? Relevance?” can be found in any category on the website. Type any word or phrase into the search box and you’re sure to find a perfect present.

If you’ve ever heard someone repeat something so much that they might as well get it tattooed on their forehead, you can at least tattoo it on their clothing! Custom ink will print any saying or picture you desire onto an article of clothing of your choice (sweatshirts, T-Shirts, boxers, etc.). The only hard part is not laughing at loved one’s reactions when they see their signature phrase on their new shirt.

While these are only a few of the infinite gifting options on the web, you can be sure to start crossing names off after only a few clicks.

And who can forget the best part ?

You can shop in nothing but your Santa hat!

Text Nation

You just got done arguing with your boyfriend for the millionth time about whose turn it is to buy toilet paper. In tears and exhausted, you finally realize the relationship has expired. The only complication? Breaking the poor guy’s heart.

You could sit him down for a one on one and smash his heart into pieces, complete with awkward silences and trembling lips. Or you could shoot him a quick email, which he probably won’t check until Monday anyway. You ultimately decide that the most appealing option, however, is to spare both of you from being uncomfortable and send him a “breakup text”.

Wait a second…breakup with someone via text?

While this once seemed unfathomable and too coldhearted to actually follow through with, text messaging is quickly making small talk obsolete and becoming the substitute for face to face communication in even the most serious of situations.

Text messaging is giving reason for the shy, lazy, and way-too-busy to rejoice all at the same time.

Ending a long overdue relationship is only one way people are taking advantage of texting’s convenience. Timid employees everywhere are tapping away, sending their employers texts to let them know they’ll be late, that they’ll need vacation time in December, or that they won’t even be coming into the office at all. Those who can’t find the courage to make a direct phone call to the powers that be find comfort in the text message, which avoids stuttering excuses or faking niceties altogether.

Those who can’t seem to stay afloat in the dating pool find comfort in messaging as well. Bashful boys (and girls) who aren’t willing to take the chance of rejection find it easier to type out a quick, “what are you doing tonight?” then dialing someone’s number or (gasp!) asking them out in person. After all, not getting a return text is a lot easier on the ego than turning bright red after you’ve been turned down (and inevitably tripping after walking away).

The lazy have reason to celebrate our techno-advanced communication methods as well. When it comes down to it, who really has time to make 30 phone calls just to see what everyone’s weekend plans are? The “Send to all” button can be pretty convenient when you’re sitting at home wondering who’s plans are the most worthwhile of your acquaintances. Countless cell phones are blown up on the weekends with mass texts asking who will be at what bar. If they respond with a lame “nothing, I’m studying”? Delete! Wait for the next response.

However, it’s after the bars that text messaging can be dangerous. It’s quite possible that there is a market for cell phone breathalyzers, making it impossible to text if you’re over a .08. If you can’t drive, you probably shouldn’t be calling your ex to explain that you’ve never really gotten over him. Or telling your best friend her boyfriend cheated on her through a 2 am text. Drinking and texting can be an embarrassing combination, giving the offender not only liquid courage but also the semi-anonymity of the text.

While texting definitely isn’t a serious problem amidst important issues like war and poverty, it does have some important implications. The art of conversation is slowly going down the drain, with more and more people jumping on the text bandwagon everyday.

So what’s the solution? Next time you’re tempted to text your mom to see how her day is going, schedule a lunch date. And if you’re stuck in traffic for the 20th time and afraid to tell your boss you’ll be late yet again? Suck it up and pick up the phone!