Okay, so here’s the thing. We live in an uncannily advanced, technological world. Innovation never ceases. Regardless of whether we truly need or even want something new and improved, we’ll get it.

And that’s fine and all, so long as the various technologies are used efficiently, responsibly, and sustainably, serving some purpose that’s helpful or, in the least, entertaining to some. But we know that’s not always the case.

There’s often a sort of obsession, if you will, with certain technologies. I’m talking about video games, social media outlets, phones, gadgets and the like. And this techno-mania can lead us into situations where we throw caution to the wind.

Three recent cases in point:

1) Undercover investigators went into a drug dealer’s residence in Polk County, Florida. Some, naturally, searched for drugs, money and paraphernalia while some took the opportunity to play multiple rounds of Wii Bowling. Yes, numerous fist pumps and high-fives ensued. And all of this was caught on the dealer’s home security camera. Too far, guys… and wildly unprofessional. I mean couldn’t you have resisted the urge? Like you don’t have one waiting at home, anyway. Full story here.

2) Two girls, aged 10 and 12, somehow found themselves lost in a drain in the suburbs of Adelaide, Australia. Fearing for their lives, they decided to try and get help. So they picked up their phones and UPDATED THEIR FACEBOOK STATUS’ WITH THEIR DILLEMA. Wow… just wow. The clincher of this one is the fact that the girls had working cells and could have easily just dialed emergency, but still somehow felt, even in a matter of life and death, that Facebook was the way to go. Sorry, girls, but it’s not. Can we get back to real life now? Full story here.

3) This story is the one that really does me in. A 17-year old girl - who, I think it’s safe to say, should have known better - died from electrocution this past summer in Romania. Why, you ask? She was Tweeting from her bathtub. Apparently, the electrocution occurred when she reached a wet hand out to plug the computer in. Yikes. As a human, I absolutely feel for her and her family, of course. But as a critic, I can only wonder “What the f**k was she thinking?” Full story here.

Yusef Lateef: Other Sounds, Downtown Discs - $8

Mr. Lateef is a fantastic jazz musician who is most notable for his flute/sax playing.  On this album, he rocks his signature instrument and brings four others along for the ride, and delivers his unique signature to some great tunes.  This session was recorded in 1957 and dances circles around many albums released in this period.

Bill Idol: Don’t Stop, Downtown Discs - $4

This disc consists of Mony Mony and Dacing With Myself, which makes it an instant classic. Billy is wearing a wife-beater and has spiked hair. You won’t mistake this album for something else.

Hank Williams: The Hank Williams Story, Pure Pop - $3

It has 4 records with 48 of Hank Williams best loved songs. I love country and Hank Williams is pure country.

Animal Collective: Strawberry Jam, Pure Pop - $17.97

This is my favorite Animal Collective record.  It has some of their strongest tracks to date without any misses.  The price is deserved because it’s relatively new and it’s a double LP.

The Mountain Goats: Tallahassee, Pure Pop - $15.97

The first Mountain Goats album devoid of recordings from John Darnielle’s signature Panasonic RX-FT500 boombox, this is a beautifully written album.  In November, I’ll be seeing them with Final Fantasy, so this record seemed particularly tempting today.

Each and every one of the happy Camp BFP interns strutted down to the waterfront today to stuff consumables down their collective gullets at the Vermont Chew Chew Festival.  Like all festivals before it, great eats, rides for the kiddies, and good times are available and expected to be had by all.

Sadly, this is the last Chew Chew festival that will be held…ever.  If you want to boogie down on the water and get your gorge on this is your last chance to do so.

There are an absurd number of vendors making their final Chew Chew appearance. You can chow down on anything from Chicken Samosa to Steak Quesadillas to a Lovemaker Crepe.  Cost is $2 Adults, $1 young ‘uns, plus $5/9 tokens.  Most food items are 3 or 4 tokens.

Notable Standouts of the day were Mug Root Beer Floats, Ruben James Spicy Chicken Tacos, Sam Mazza’s Farm Cider Donuts, Amir’s Kebab and too many others to list.

Each intern wandered about spending the Free Press’ money trying out everything their hearts desired, and there wasn’t a bad vendor in the bunch.  Not to mention other local businesses and organizations that made an appearance, and it was a perfect afternoon away from the office, and surely a great way to spend your weekend.