Just because you probably feel naked whenever you leave home without it doesn't mean keeping your cell phone constantly at your side is actually a necessity. Face it, being naked is natural. And while there are still populations somewhere that don't quite cover their whole bodies like we do who probably feel like they've got it so much better because they don't have all the frustrations that tend to make our lives constantly more complicated than they need to be, I'm proud to be immersed in the digital revolution that keeps us on the edge of our seats, most of the time. But not all of the time.

At least it shouldn't be all of the time. Yesterday, the New York Times published a great article (which can be found here ) about when not to play with your phone. During family meals. Or any meals for that matter. Whether you were busy sucking it up at brickbreaker or sexting your most recently lost love, take a break. It's just plain rude. Sit back, relax, and don't forget to show the "real" people--the ones we can physically reach, and facebook poking doesn't count--in our lives that we still care. If only for a few minutes. After that I encourage you to reconnect, but please don't forget to say the magic words, "May I be excused?"

By Steven Rose