Correction: Irresponsible use of technology makes you fat. Also, irresponsible advertising also makes you fat. For instance, the people in TV dinner commercials seem to only have TV dinners in their freezers. Also, stressful working conditions makes you fat. For instance, long working hours, no vacations, low wages all serve to crush any motivation to do anything other than having dinner in front of the TV and staring at the idiot box for the rest of the evening.

Next up, technology gives you cancer...

Posted by: Francis Wu on February 12, 2003 10:51 AM

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You people are crazy. Segways are great. I'm buying one as soon as they begin shipping with a built-in microwave and mini-fridge.

Posted by: Mushmouth on February 12, 2003 11:50 AM

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I take offense at the phrase "building tools to make us fatter" - it seems to imply that personal choice is not involved. So far, no one has made a machine to lock us down in the chair and shove food into our mouth. When that happens, I will accept the phrase "building tools to make us fatter." Until then, it is a personal choice to ride a segway when you are capable of walking.

Personally, I know my grandma would LOVE a Segway. She lives very close to the store, but because of a circulation problem she sometimes can't manage the walk and is terrified of being stranded halfway there, but she's embarrassed that family members have to pick her up so she can get groceries because she is otherwise quite mobile, alert, and active.

I don't think the Segway was intended for everyday use, or to replace regular walking, but if they are going to make any money they have to target everyone.

Posted by: Lydia on February 12, 2003 01:36 PM

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If I could carry my three year old home from nursery school on it, it would save a car trip...

Posted by: amy on February 12, 2003 03:01 PM

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Ummm, how about trying a piggyback ride?

Posted by: Mr. Mom on February 12, 2003 03:54 PM

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When operating any sufficiently heavy machinery there is always a danger of ending up flat.

Oh, sorry, you said FAT. Well, never mind then.

Posted by: JEH on February 12, 2003 07:29 PM

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Lydia writes:

"So far, no one has made a machine to lock us down in the chair and shove food into our mouth."

Off to the library for:

McGarty, Terrance
"Business Plans that Win Venture Capital"

;)

Posted by: Wolf on February 13, 2003 11:13 AM

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I don't know much about Gerry McGovern, but based on that article, I have to conclude that he's an idiot.

First he complains about unhealthy, processed food and then proclaims that technology has improved the "quality and quantity of food."

Then he says the "problem [with word processors] is that many can type faster than they can think." I would have been inclined to agree, had he mentioned this article as an example of that problem.

Last, he makes some ignorant remarks about the Segway with regards to the purpose of the device and its affect on personal health, specifically weight. These sorts of remarks have been discussed elsewhere, but to quickly recap: The Segway is not a walking machine, it's a personal transport. You'd use it to go somewhere that's not far enough away to drive, but at the same time, too far to walk. To me, this seems like a pretty simple concept, which for some reason, is completely lost on McGovern (and others).

...and the weight gain claim is pure specualtion. In fact, Phillip Torrone owns a Segway and has lost at least 10 lbs. riding the thing.

Posted by: Brad Lauster on February 13, 2003 02:18 PM

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