Look to your right. Okay. Now look to your left. Is somebody within reach on their BlackBerry? Those handy little hand held computer/cell-phones that seem to be sweeping the nation. Everyone has one. Even My grand-mother.

The BlackBerry was introduced in 1999 as a two-way pager, and in 2002, the smartphone that we all know and love was launched. The device allows you to make mobile phone calls, receive text messages as well as e-mail messages, browse the wireless web wherever you are, and so much more.

This ability to receive and read e-mail in real-time, as well as receive updates and chat with friends wherever you are has made the BlackBerry infamously and obviously addictive, which earned it the nickname “CrackBerry” – a reference to the street name for the drug cocaine, which is “crack”. Use of the term CrackBerrybecame so widespread that in November 2006 Webster’s New World College Dictionary named “CrackBerry” the “New Word of the Year”.

It’s main appeal HAS to be it’s ability to send and receive e-mail, as well as to browse the web. I mean, how convenient is that? compared to your laptop its a breeze to carry, and you can even tell your parents that it’s main use is cellular telephone – in case of emergencies of course.

The BlackBerry might also act as proof of much more than a text messaging addiction. In class, Dr. Strangelove introduced us to the concept that our society is a highly disciplined society. We live and breathe according to our rigid schedules – our 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday work weeks, without fail. We are a society that carries time with us. Everywhere you go someone has a watch or some sort of device that can tell them the time of day, so that they are never late, and of course, never too early. We all do things at the same time, we all wake up in the morning, eat meals at three set times during the day, and go to bed at night. People in this society don’t have TIME to take a vacation.

This is where the BlackBerry fits in. This device acts as a clock as well as a portable scheduler. All your tasks and daily events fit into this tiny technology, that conveniently also acts as your cell phone and computer.

Besides these facts, the BlackBerry also allows us to do things in real time, that we previously could not do without being at our desk or in our office. Our work can be with us wherever we go. Never a worry of not being contacted about an important deadline, or missing out on an important party. The BlackBerry helps us stay disciplined.

Not to mention they look really cool.