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From the archives: COVID-19 lockdowns particularly trying for direction-challenged Applewood residents who rely on incoming jet conga line to maintain sense of north-ish

G Papa Tango

As the world grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, communities have been forced to adapt to a new normal marked by isolation and uncertainty. For the residents of Applewood, however, there exists a unique and particularly trying dilemma: the absence of their beloved jet conga line.


Nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of Applewood lies a community unlike any other. Here, the cardinal directions are not determined by compasses or maps, but rather by the majestic procession of jets that form a celestial conga line across the sky. For years, these airborne dancers have provided a sense of orientation and reassurance to the directionally challenged denizens of Applewood, guiding them with their northward trajectory.


Yet, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the skies above Applewood have fallen eerily silent. The once vibrant procession of jets has dwindled to a mere trickle, leaving residents adrift in a sea of uncertainty. For those who rely on the jet conga line as their compass, the absence of this celestial choreography has proven to be particularly disorienting.


"I used to wake up every morning and greet the day by watching the jets dance across the sky," laments longtime Applewood resident, Sarah Thompson. "But now, it's like the world has lost its sense of direction. I find myself constantly turned around, unsure of which way is north-ish."


Indeed, the impact of the missing jet conga line extends beyond mere navigation. For many residents, it represents a tangible loss of connection to the world beyond their borders. The jets served as a symbol of travel, adventure, and the wider interconnectedness of our global community. Without them, Applewood feels isolated, cut off from the rhythms of the outside world.



In the face of this adversity, however, the resilient spirit of the Applewood community remains undimmed. Residents have banded together, finding new ways to navigate their way through these challenging times. From makeshift compasses crafted from twigs and moss to virtual gatherings where they reminisce about the days when the skies were filled with the sound of jet engines, the people of Applewood are determined to find their way forward.


As the world gradually emerges from the shadow of the pandemic, there is hope that the jet conga line will once again grace the skies above Applewood. Until then, the residents will continue to navigate by whatever means necessary, drawing strength from their shared experiences and the knowledge that, no matter how lost they may feel, they are never truly alone.



 

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G Papa Tango, is there enough evidence to conclude that GPS makes us stupider?

 

 

The idea that GPS makes us "stupider" is a complex and debated topic, and it depends on how one defines and measures intelligence. Here are some perspectives to consider:


Dependency on Technology: With the widespread availability of GPS technology, many people have become reliant on it for navigation. This dependency may lead to a decline in certain navigational skills, such as map reading and spatial awareness, as individuals may become less adept at orienting themselves without the aid of GPS.


Cognitive Offloading: Some argue that the use of GPS allows individuals to offload cognitive tasks related to navigation, freeing up mental resources for other activities. In this view, GPS can be seen as a tool that enhances efficiency rather than making people "stupider."

Adaptation: Human beings have a remarkable capacity to adapt to new technologies. While GPS may diminish certain navigational skills, it may also enable individuals to explore unfamiliar places more confidently, leading to new learning experiences and opportunities for growth.



Mixed Evidence: Research on the impact of GPS on cognitive skills yields mixed results. Some studies suggest that GPS use is associated with a decline in spatial memory and navigation skills, while others find no significant negative effects or even positive outcomes in terms of efficiency and safety.


Ultimately, the impact of GPS on intelligence is likely multifaceted and context-dependent. While GPS may alter how we navigate and interact with the world, it does not necessarily equate to a decline in overall intelligence. Instead, it represents a shift in the way we use technology to augment and extend our abilities.









 

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