Tune out, turn off, drink up

Dec. 7, 2012

As a writer and editor, I spend a lot of time glued to a computer screen. I check my email about 78 times a day, read an infinite number of online news feeds and know way too much about the lives of my 923 Facebook friends.

Though I don't own a smart phone, the E, T and R on my dumb phone are worn down to nothing from excessive texting and the navigation buttons on my Kindle are soon to follow.

The point is that technology, and, in particular, communication via technology, is so pervasive in our lives that we miss out on the subtle intricacies of face to face conversation — a touch on the arm, eye contact, body language. I know this is a subject that's been picked at and pried open and drummed upon by writers far more eloquent than I. But this time, it falls into my realm of expertise, which is, of course, beer.

The marketing gurus at Samuel Adams have recognized that Americans are better acquainted with their phones than their friends, and they are trying to inspire us to set aside one day to put down the laptops, stash the tablets and truly connect with those around us. It's all part of The Great Samuel Adams Boston Lager Log-Off on Dec. 10, a day to tune out, turn off and drink up.

Of course, the Boston Beer Co. would prefer you had a frosty Boston Lager, but the sentiment is the same whether you're toasting a pilsner or porter, a saison or a stout: Unplug for a minute and enjoy a beer with a friend — hell, enjoy a beer with a stranger — and don't worry about checking in on Foursquare or Tweeting what's on the jukebox or even texting someone across the country to brag about how much fun you're having.

Be present in the moment — and try to ignore the irony of learning about the Lager Log-Off from a blog.

Krista Driscoll
Hophead