Back to Basics

 (The Great Computer Crash of 2011, part 2 of 3)

Chapter 46

As this is my second week without the use of the trusty TT&S mainframe, I'm "shooting from the hip" again this installment. I'm inputting this week from my Wii, which (as it turns out) has an internet interface. Who knew?

It's an odd flashback moment to thirty-odd years ago: staring at my television screen, using my Atari 2600's Basic Programming module. One had a feeling there should be great power there, but it was hiding, just out of reach, behind a completely unworkable interface. (Remember the 2600's "keyboard"?)

It's just that sort of strange, everything-old-is-new-again feeling, along with watching the legions of last minute Christmas shoppers bustling around the local Mega Mart, that got me thinking. We've spent a very long time with pretty long and complex posts on advanced tailoring concepts over the past few months, and we should always pause every once in awhile to remind ourselves of the basics.

So this week: a reminder that no matter where you go, no matter how long you plan to be there, no matter who you plan to meet; you only have one chance to make a good impression, first or otherwise. You may think you're only running down to the Quickie-Mart for a midnight Squishee, but if that's the night you run into the Mayor, you'll never be able to take that moment back.

An admonition, then, this holiday season. NEVER "just" go anywhere. Go with intention, go with direction, and never, ever be found improperly dressed. It's a common misconception that it takes more effort to dress well than not to, and running out to the mailbox is therefore a reason to cut corners.

There is never a reason to "cut corners," sartorially speaking. Be prepared, as the Boy Scouts say.

And on that note, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. With any luck, my computer will be repaired and on my desk where it belongs next week, and we can get back on track with some proper posting!

Click here to go to the next essay chronologically.

Click here to go back to the previous essay chronologically.

Click here to go back to the beginning.