My Commonplace Book - New Amazing Technology! Wow! Check it Out!

My Commonplace Book

Jan. 6, 2006

New Amazing Technology! Wow! Check it Out!

I got this, again, in an e-mail. (I think a new generation of common place books are evolving to include e-mails now.) E-mails that are forwarded all over the world can either be full of wisdom or full of foolishness. Personally, I usually delete the jokes I get, and I rarely forward anything, but once in awhile one comes along that I have to keep. And the following is one of them:

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Introducing the new Bio-Optic Organized Knowledge device, trade named: BOOK.

BOOK is a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be connected or switched on. It's so easy to use, even a child can operate it.

Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere -- even sitting in an armchair by the fire -- yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disc. Here's how it works:

BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable), each capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The pages are locked together with a custom-fit device called a binder, which keeps the sheets in their correct sequence.

Opaque Paper Technology (OPT) allows manufacturers to use both sides of the sheet, doubling the information density and cutting costs. Experts are divided on the prospects for further increases in information density; for now, BOOKs with more information simply use more pages.

Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to the next sheet. BOOK may be taken up at any time and used merely by opening it.

Unlike other display devices, BOOK never crashes or requires rebooting, and it can even be dropped on the floor or stepped on without damage. However, it can become unusable if immersed in water for a significant period of time. The "browse" feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet and move forward or backward as you wish. Many come with an "index" feature, which pinpoints the exact location of selected information for instant retrieval.

An optional "BOOKmark" accessory allows you to open BOOK to the exact place you left it in a previous session -- even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus, a single BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Conversely, numerous BOOKmarkers can be used in a single BOOK if the user wants to store numerous views at once. The number is limited only by the number of pages in the BOOK.

You can also make personal notes next to BOOK text entries with an optional programming tool, the Portable Erasable Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language Stylus (PENCILS).

Portable, durable, and affordable, BOOK is being hailed as a precursor of a new entertainment wave. Also, BOOK's appeal seems so certain that thousands of content creators have committed to the platform and investors are reportedly flocking. Look for a flood of new titles soon.

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Comments

Feb. 22, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Aligirl

That was great! I would love to copy and forward that to a few people myself! I have been trying to get more into reading books myself. I know that if I cultivate a love for reading, then my children will follow my lead. I random blogged and found your blog!

Blessings,
Ali

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Feb. 23, 2006 - This is great!

Posted by Suzanne

I found out about you from Aligirl. :-)

Thanks for sharing this forwarded e-mail message. It's definitely a challenge at times to weed thru all of the stuff we get via e-mail. (that's an understatement!)

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Feb. 24, 2006 - Thanks for leaving a comment!

Posted by Suzanne

Thanks for leaving a comment and for letting me know about your "book review" blog!

Have you read about the *real* Robinson Crusoe: "Marooned: The Strange But True Adventures of Alexander Selkirk, the Real Robinson Crusoe" by Robert Kraske?

BTW, I tried the "Little Cottage School on the Prairie" link, but it didn't work for me. Should I try something else?

Sorry to hear that you've been sick and haven't been able to read aloud. You can see some of our "read alouds" at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Suzanne/Books/. Guess you can see that we enjoy reading, too! ;-)

Gotta run!

p.s. may I add you to my friends list?

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Feb. 24, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Deblily

That's cute. And to know I've been sitting on a pile of technologically forward BOOKS!

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Mar. 2, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Janne

This is great!!!

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Commonplace books are a means of coping with information overload! They help us select, organize, classify, and remember key moral precepts. "When it came time to put away childish things, the role of the copy book was assumed by its close cousin, the "commonplace book." The process of maturation required the production of more-personal collections of writings, meant to provide inspiration, direction, and moral fortitude. Reading the commonplace books of historical figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or any number of antebellum Southern ladies gives us an interior view of each person's self-image and the words that motivated him or her. -- Rachel Toor "Commonplaces: From Quote Books to 'Sig' Files" The Chronicle of Higher Education May 25, 2001"