It’s hard to remember what we did before the Internet. I think I was around 10 when we first got it. I mean, it wasn’t extensive, but it worked. It was awesome. I remember playing “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?” online.

That being said, it’s easy to agree that the Internet has BLOWN UP! We have it on our phones. We have it in little mini computers. It’s all over the place.

And what would we do without it?

I mean, it hasn’t been around that long. It just doesn’t seem like there was anything to do before we could update our statuses on the latest happenings.

I will be the first one to admit that I love some Twitter and Facebook and iPhone applications. The question remains, “Has it gotten out of hand?”

When America thought that Balloon Boy was floating around all over eastern Colorado, the Blogosphere and social networking sites were lighting up with witty remarks and updates about flying Falcon Heene, 6 years old.

Just in case you don’t know the story, I’ll do a short summary. (You can find more in-depth information if you search for 6-year-old Falcon Heene in your favorite search browser.)

Earlier today in eastern Colorado, Falcon’s parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, told authorities that their son had untethered their mylar balloon and was suspected to be inside of it. Well, it ends up that the little child wasn’t in the balloon at all. He was hanging out in a box in the attic.

Sure, it’s amusing that the kid that everyone thought was up in the air is named “Falcon.” I guess it’s also pretty cool that we could see it all happening. (Thank you television and YouTube.) I also guess it’s a bit interesting that the kid’s family used to be on Wife Swap.

(Actually, that’s REALLY interesting. Can we say attention-seeking family anyone?! That’s not the point though…)

The best thing about what happened today is that it shows us how Americans really enjoy their freedom of speech. Don’t believe me? Check out Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and the like.

The expansion of technology has allowed every…single…kind of American to express themselves and their needs. There are Facebook groups for all kind of hobbies. YouTube is an outlet for even the most unintelligent people. Then Twitter… well, I’m not so sure about Twitter yet. It’s definitely viral though.

I’m not saying that every update on the Internet is necessary. In fact, I’d dare to say that over half of the updates on Twitter, Facebook, etc. are necessary.

I am saying that we are pretty lucky to be able to express ourselves like this. Ask anyone who lives in a Communist country. They can’t do anything like this.

I’m not usually one to toot my American horn, but it is seriously tooting.

Let’s not take for granted that we can talk crap about whoever we want (um… within legal limits) and we can lets the whole world know what we’re having for dinner.

Arguably we’re losing a sense of boundaries.

Eh, it’s America! Tweet away!!

P.S. I had chicken Parmesan for dinner.