The Morning Line: Brewster Rocks Our E-World
We were in Caribou Coffee, but it could have been any kaffeeklatch in which frazzled workaday folk seek WiFi and a piping four-buck beverage served McQuickly. The customer striding up to the counter was talking mile-a-minute into her Bluetooth, adrift in self-importance, as the barista waited patiently, patiently to take her order.
Finally, after the barista spoke up, the customer harrumphed into the 'Tooth: "Hold on! I'm being interrupted! -- 'Large cappuccino, skim, extra dry' -- OkayI'mback!"
We are sure this is no unique encounter. Our very point, in fact, is this is pathetically common. When human behavior and mobile devices collide, Displays in Biped Idiocy are always around the corner.

SPACE GUY!: When technology falls into the wrong hands. (TMS)
Which is why today's "Brewster Rockit" launches in us a special kind of cathartic laughter. Because technology has encouraged so many types of Public "Crazies" that some years ago, colleagues categorized them with ornithological precision. Two examples:
1. Loud Self-Important Guy: This creature yaks into his cell with conspicuous, meant-to-impress volume -- a decibel level inversely proportional to actual self-esteem.
2. Bored-With-Own-Company Talker: Like an ever-perpetual shark, these habitual chatterboxes must always be moving -- talking at someone, lest they be left alone with nothing but their own unuttered thoughts.
Come to think of it, "Brewster" could do an entire week of these and we'd relish every panel.
By
Michael Cavna
| August 26, 2008; 6:00 AM ET
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The Morning Line
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Posted by: BobT | August 26, 2008 7:59 AM | Report abuse
Back when the (wired) earpieces were new, I worked with someone who had a habit of talking to herself. I suggested she get an earpiece so people would think she was on the phone, instead of nuts. Brewster suggests I erred.
Brewster has an interesting twist: futuristic spacemen, but it's set in today's world. It's sort of like Overboard, with pirates living in the modern age (although they don't interact with the real world much).
(hey! The WaPo printed my letter!)
Posted by: f2 | August 26, 2008 8:41 AM | Report abuse
I've seen People rant and rave while they are driving with Both hands on the Wheel and they are Swerving all over the Road !!!
Talking as loud as they can to their "Brainless Ear Plug" Which is a name
we coined for those idiots who talk to themselves !!!!
Reminds Me of the "BORGS"
Fred
Posted by: FRED | August 26, 2008 5:15 PM | Report abuse
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Would "Taxi Driver in Native Language" be a sub-category of number 2, or is that a third one?