We spend a lot of time thinking about how ubiquitous broadband network connectivity will change our world, and as we’ve found, it’s easy to take the idea to extremes. Many things will be transformed, and some things will not.

For example — hauling firewood. There’s something that’s as analog as you can get. But believe me, there are times throughout the year when I’d very much like to be able to drag and drop a couple cords of firewood through the rotation from seasoning, to splitting, and into a covered spot near the side door by the woodstove.

Last week, Carl Howe mentioned all the people he sees on their BlackBerries. And I have to say that the anywhere me finds it far less satisfying to empty my e-mail inbox than it is to rake the yard for the tenth and last time of the season, seal up the cold frames that will protect the chard through the winter, and put a nicely seasoned piece of hardwood on top of the coals.