Infinite Summer

Author: matthewbaldwin

  • Why Clean Common Areas Matter in Rental Buildings

    Clean common areas play an important role in how tenants, visitors, and property managers experience a rental building. Hallways, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, laundry rooms, mail areas, and shared entrances are used every day, so their condition can affect safety, comfort, and overall property appeal. When these areas are cleaned consistently, the entire building feels more organized, professional, and well cared for.

    Creating a Strong First Impression

    Common areas are often the first spaces people see when entering a rental property. A clean lobby, polished floors, clear walkways, and fresh-smelling hallways can immediately make the building feel more welcoming.

    For prospective tenants, these details can influence how they view the property. A well-maintained building suggests that management takes care of the space and values tenant comfort.

    Supporting Tenant Satisfaction

    Tenants want to live in buildings that feel clean and comfortable. Dirty stairwells, dusty hallways, overflowing trash areas, or stained floors can quickly lead to complaints. Regular cleaning helps reduce frustration and creates a better living environment for everyone.

    Property managers may use office cleaning services as part of a broader maintenance plan, especially when rental buildings include leasing offices, shared workspaces, or management areas.

    Improving Safety in Shared Spaces

    Clean common areas are also safer. Clutter, spills, dirt, and debris can create slip-and-fall hazards. Regular cleaning helps keep floors dry, stairs clear, and entryways free from obstacles.

    This is especially important in high-traffic areas where tenants, guests, delivery drivers, and maintenance workers pass through throughout the day. To keep your business premises safe even after office hours, you may hire an overnight fire watch service.

    Protecting Property Value

    Shared areas experience constant use, which means they can wear down quickly without proper care. Dirt and grime can damage flooring, walls, windows, fixtures, and doors over time. Routine cleaning helps protect these surfaces and can reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

    Commercial window cleaning can also help preserve the appearance of glass entrances, lobby windows, and shared exterior-facing areas by removing dirt, smudges, and buildup.

    Encouraging Respect for the Property

    When common areas are clean, tenants are more likely to treat the building with care. A well-maintained environment can encourage better habits, such as disposing of trash properly, reporting issues sooner, and keeping shared spaces neat.

    Clean surroundings often set a standard that helps support the overall condition of the property.

    Keeping Windows and Entry Areas Presentable

    Windows and entryways can collect fingerprints, dust, pollen, and weather-related dirt. Since these areas are highly visible, they can affect how clean the entire building feels.

    Professional window washers can help keep glass surfaces clear and streak-free, improving natural light and making shared spaces look brighter and more inviting.

    Conclusion

    Clean common areas matter because they improve first impressions, support tenant satisfaction, reduce safety risks, and protect property value. For rental buildings, consistent cleaning is not just about appearance—it is part of responsible property management and long-term tenant care.

  • Signs Your Vehicle May Need Professional Service

    Your vehicle is an important part of your daily routine, and keeping it in good condition helps protect your safety, comfort, and long-term investment. While some car issues are obvious, others can develop slowly and may be easy to overlook at first. Paying attention to early warning signs can help you know when it is time to schedule professional service before a small problem becomes a costly repair.

    Unusual Noises While Driving

    One of the most common signs that your vehicle may need attention is a strange noise. Squealing brakes, grinding sounds, knocking from the engine, or rattling underneath the car should not be ignored. These sounds often mean that a part is worn, loose, or not working correctly.

    Even if the vehicle still drives normally, unusual noises can point to developing problems. Having the vehicle inspected early can help prevent further damage and keep you safer on the road.

    Warning Lights on the Dashboard

    Dashboard warning lights are designed to alert drivers when something needs attention. A check engine light, oil pressure warning, battery light, brake warning, or tire pressure alert can all indicate different problems.

    Sometimes the issue may be minor, such as a loose gas cap or low tire pressure. Other times, it may involve the engine, electrical system, brakes, or emissions system. A professional inspection can help identify the cause and determine the right repair.

    Changes in Braking Performance

    Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. If you notice squeaking, grinding, vibration, a soft brake pedal, or longer stopping distances, it is important to have the brakes checked.

    Brake problems can become dangerous if they are not addressed quickly. Professional service can help determine whether your brake pads, rotors, fluid, or other components need repair or replacement.

    Fluid Leaks Under the Vehicle

    Fluid leaks are another sign that your vehicle may need professional service. Oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or power steering fluid can leak from different parts of the vehicle. Any visible puddle or repeated stain under your car should be taken seriously.

    Low fluid levels can lead to overheating, poor performance, steering problems, or serious mechanical damage. A technician can locate the source of the leak and recommend the proper repair.

    Poor Performance or Rough Driving

    If your vehicle feels different while driving, it may be time for service. Common signs include rough idling, hesitation when accelerating, reduced fuel efficiency, shaking, stalling, or difficulty starting. These issues may be related to the engine, fuel system, ignition system, transmission, or other components.

    For drivers who care about both performance and appearance, resources such as https://luxautoboutique.com/ can be useful when thinking about vehicle care, protection, and long-term upkeep.

    Trouble Starting the Vehicle

    A vehicle that struggles to start may have a weak battery, faulty starter, alternator issue, or fuel delivery problem. If this happens once, it may not seem urgent, but repeated starting problems should be checked before the vehicle leaves you stranded.

    Professional service can test the battery, charging system, and related components to make sure everything is working properly.

    Strange Smells Inside or Around the Car

    Unusual smells can also signal vehicle problems. A burning smell may point to overheating parts, electrical issues, or worn brakes. A sweet smell could indicate a coolant leak, while a fuel smell may suggest a fuel system issue.

    Because some smells can be connected to safety risks, it is best to have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

    Visible Wear or Exterior Damage

    Professional service is not only about mechanical repairs. Exterior damage, worn tires, damaged glass, faded paint, or body issues can also affect safety, value, and appearance. Keeping your vehicle well maintained inside and out helps extend its life and preserve its condition.

    For repair and maintenance information, https://eltonsauto.us/ is another example of a professional automotive resource drivers may consider when looking into vehicle service needs.

    Recognizing the signs that your vehicle needs professional service can help you avoid bigger problems later. Strange noises, dashboard warnings, braking issues, leaks, poor performance, and unusual smells should never be ignored.

    By responding early and scheduling proper service, you can keep your vehicle safer, more reliable, and better prepared for everyday driving.

  • How Professional Transportation Services Improve Convenience

    Transportation plays an important role in daily life, whether someone is traveling for work, attending an event, heading to the airport, or simply trying to get across town without stress. While driving yourself may seem simple, it often comes with traffic, parking issues, delays, and the responsibility of planning every detail. Professional transportation services help remove many of these challenges by offering a smoother, more dependable way to travel.

    Saving Time and Reducing Stress

    One of the biggest advantages of professional transportation services is the time they save. Instead of worrying about directions, road conditions, or finding parking, passengers can relax while an experienced driver handles the trip. This is especially helpful in busy cities, during peak traffic hours, or when traveling to unfamiliar areas.

    Professional drivers understand local routes, traffic patterns, and pickup requirements. Their experience helps reduce delays and allows passengers to focus on more important things, such as preparing for a meeting, making phone calls, or simply enjoying a quiet ride.

    Reliable Scheduling

    Convenience also comes from knowing that transportation will be available when needed. Professional services usually allow customers to book in advance, which helps make travel more predictable. Whether the trip is early in the morning, late at night, or during a busy weekend, scheduled transportation gives passengers peace of mind.

    This reliability is especially valuable for airport transfers, business travel, weddings, medical appointments, and special events. A professional service helps ensure that passengers arrive on time without needing to arrange last-minute rides.

    Comfortable and Professional Travel

    Another benefit is comfort. Professional transportation vehicles are often clean, well-maintained, and designed to provide a more enjoyable experience than a standard ride. Passengers can travel in a calm environment without dealing with the pressure of driving, parking, or navigating traffic.

    For special occasions, services such as pick up drop off limo options add an extra level of convenience and comfort, making the entire travel experience feel more organized and enjoyable.

    Helpful for Groups and Events

    Professional transportation services are also useful for group travel. Coordinating multiple vehicles can be difficult, especially when everyone is trying to arrive at the same location on time. A transportation service can simplify the process by keeping the group together and reducing confusion.

    This is helpful for corporate events, family gatherings, weddings, concerts, sporting events, and nights out. Instead of worrying about who will drive or where everyone should park, passengers can travel together and enjoy the occasion.

    Safer and More Dependable Travel

    Safety is another major reason people choose professional transportation. Experienced drivers are trained to operate vehicles responsibly and provide reliable service. This can be especially important after long flights, late-night events, or situations where passengers may be too tired to drive safely.

    Using a professional service also reduces the risk of getting lost, rushing through traffic, or dealing with unsafe parking areas. Passengers can trust that the trip is being handled by someone focused on getting them to their destination safely.

    A Better Overall Travel Experience

    Professional transportation services improve convenience by combining reliability, comfort, safety, and time savings. They make travel easier for individuals, families, business professionals, and groups by removing many of the common problems that come with driving.

    Whether the need is daily travel, airport transportation, event transportation, or a special occasion, professional transportation services help create a smoother and more enjoyable experience from start to finish.

  • How to Make the Most of a Vineyard Tour

    A vineyard tour can be a relaxing and memorable way to enjoy beautiful scenery, learn about wine, and experience local culture. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway, a special occasion, or a casual day trip, a little preparation can help you get more from the experience.

    Plan Ahead Before You Go

    Before visiting a vineyard, take time to review the tour options, tasting schedules, and reservation requirements. Some vineyards accept walk-ins, while others require advance booking, especially during busy seasons. Planning ahead helps you avoid long waits and ensures you have enough time to enjoy the property.

    It is also helpful to check whether the vineyard offers food pairings, guided tastings, outdoor seating, or special experiences.

    Dress Comfortably

    Vineyard tours often involve walking through outdoor areas, tasting rooms, production spaces, and uneven ground. Comfortable shoes are important, especially if the tour includes time in the vines. Weather can also change quickly, so dressing in layers is a smart choice.

    For outdoor tours, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket can make the day more comfortable.

    Ask Questions During the Tour

    A vineyard tour is a great chance to learn from people who understand the winemaking process. Ask about the grape varieties, growing conditions, harvesting methods, aging process, and tasting notes. These questions can make the experience more interesting and help you better appreciate each wine.

    Even simple questions can lead to helpful insights about how climate, soil, and production techniques affect flavor.

    Taste Slowly and Take Notes

    Wine tasting is more enjoyable when you take your time. Notice the color, aroma, texture, and finish of each wine. Taking brief notes can help you remember which wines you liked most, especially if you plan to buy a bottle later.

    If you are visiting multiple wineries in one day, pacing yourself is important. Drinking water and eating between tastings can help keep the experience enjoyable.

    Consider a Guided Experience

    Guided winery tours can make the visit easier and more informative, especially for first-time guests. A guide can explain the history of the vineyard, walk you through the production process, and help you understand the differences between each tasting.

    This can turn a simple visit into a more complete and educational travel experience.

    Enjoy the Setting

    Vineyards are often located in scenic areas, so take time to enjoy the surroundings. Walk the grounds, take photos, relax on the patio, and appreciate the atmosphere. The best vineyard tours are not rushed. They allow you to enjoy the wine, the views, and the slower pace of the countryside. You may even take BC Kratom products to boost your mood and better enjoy your vacation.

    Conclusion

    Making the most of a vineyard tour comes down to preparation, curiosity, and taking your time. By planning ahead, dressing comfortably, asking questions, and enjoying the setting, you can turn a simple wine tasting into a memorable travel experience.

  • Tech Trends That Are Transforming Industries

    Technology continues to reshape the way businesses operate, compete, and serve customers. From artificial intelligence to automation, modern tech trends are changing industries at every level. Companies that understand these changes can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create better experiences for their customers and employees.

    Artificial Intelligence Is Improving Decision-Making

    Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest forces transforming modern industries. Businesses use AI to analyze large amounts of data, predict customer behavior, automate routine tasks, and improve decision-making.

    In retail, AI can recommend products based on customer preferences. In healthcare, it can help organize patient data and support faster diagnosis. In finance, it can detect unusual transactions and improve fraud prevention. AI is not only making work faster but also helping companies make smarter choices.

    Automation Is Changing Daily Operations

    Automation allows businesses to complete repetitive tasks with less manual effort. This can include anything from automated customer service responses to robotic systems in warehouses and factories.

    Manufacturing companies use automation to increase production speed and reduce errors. Offices use automated tools for scheduling, billing, reporting, and communication. As automation improves, employees can spend more time on creative, strategic, and customer-focused work.

    Cloud Technology Supports Flexibility

    Cloud technology has changed how companies store information, run software, and manage teams. Instead of depending only on physical servers, businesses can access tools and data from almost anywhere.

    This is especially valuable for remote and hybrid work environments. Employees can collaborate on documents, attend virtual meetings, and access important systems without being tied to one office. Cloud solutions also help companies scale more easily as they grow.

    Cybersecurity Is Becoming More Important

    As businesses rely more on digital systems, cybersecurity has become essential. Companies must protect customer information, financial records, employee data, and business operations from online threats.

    Cybersecurity tools now include advanced monitoring, identity verification, encryption, and employee training. A strong security strategy helps protect a company’s reputation and reduces the risk of costly disruptions.

    Smart Devices Are Connecting Industries

    The Internet of Things, often called IoT, connects physical devices to digital networks. These devices can collect data, communicate with each other, and help businesses monitor operations in real time.

    In agriculture, sensors can track soil conditions and water usage. In logistics, connected devices can monitor shipments and delivery routes. In homes and offices, smart systems can control lighting, temperature, and security. This level of connection helps industries become more efficient and responsive.

    Digital Payments and Online Marketplaces Are Expanding

    Digital payment systems and online marketplaces have changed how people buy, sell, and exchange goods. Businesses can now reach customers beyond their local area, process payments quickly, and manage transactions more conveniently.

    This trend also supports resale and recycling markets. For example, people looking for cash for electronics can now use digital platforms to sell older devices, helping reduce waste while giving used technology a second life.

    Data Analytics Is Driving Better Strategy

    Data analytics helps businesses understand what is working and what needs improvement. Companies can use data to study customer habits, track performance, forecast demand, and identify new opportunities.

    Industries such as retail, healthcare, real estate, marketing, and transportation all rely on data to guide decisions. Instead of guessing, businesses can use clear information to plan smarter strategies.

    Virtual and Augmented Reality Are Creating New Experiences

    Virtual reality and augmented reality are no longer limited to gaming. These technologies are being used in training, design, education, healthcare, and retail.

    Companies can use virtual reality to train employees in realistic simulations. Retailers can use augmented reality to let customers preview products before buying. Architects and designers can create immersive models of spaces before construction begins.

    Final Thoughts

    Tech trends are transforming industries by improving speed, accuracy, communication, and customer experience. Artificial intelligence, automation, cloud systems, cybersecurity, smart devices, digital marketplaces, data analytics, and immersive technology are all shaping the future of business. Companies that adapt to these changes are better prepared to grow, compete, and meet the needs of a digital world.

  • Acknowledgements

    Back in April, when I set out to recruit three more Guides, I decided to start with the folks I thought would be best suited for the role and then move down the list as I accumulated rejections (of which I expected plenty). Instead, to my great fortune, the first three people I asked accepted. I’m a little unclear on how that happened, but I could not be more appreciative.

    The Guides agreed to do all they did this summer on a volunteer basis. If you believe that awesome and generous people deserve reward, please support them in their current and future endeavors.

    Eden M. Kennedy’s most recent project is Let’s Panic About Babies (co-authored by Alice Bradley), and was called “a hilarious Onion-style website about parenting” by Redbook magazine. Eden also writes yogabeans! (where her son’s action figures demonstrate the intricacies of ashtanga yoga) and Fussy (where she writes angry open letters to Justin Timberlake and chronicles her daily life).

    Kevin Guilfoile’s bestselling debut novel Cast of Shadows–called “gripping” by the New York Times and one of the Best Books of 2005 by the Chicago Tribune and Kansas City Star–has been translated into more than 15 languages. He was the co-author (with John Warner) and illustrator of the #1 bestseller My First Presidentiary: A Scrapbook by George W. Bush. Kevin is a co-founder and commissioner of The Morning News Tournament of Books, and his essays have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, Salon, and McSweeney’s. His second novel, The Thousand, will be published next year by Alfred A. Knopf.

    Avery Edison is a student of Comedy Writing at a university in England. She writes a few web–comics, maintains a a tumblog, and has one of the most hilarious Twitter streams on the series of tubes.

    While not official Guides, Matt Bucher (of the wallace-l listserv) and Nick Maniatis (of The Howling Fantods) were tireless in their promotion and encouragement. And John Hodgman’s perfect summation of the event–“a noble and crazy enterprise”–is responsible for no small share of the attention and participants we received.

    Many people volunteered their time and talent to write essays and commentary for us. Infinite Summer wouldn’t have been half as successful without the contributions of our guests.

    And rounding out the trifecta was the amazing community that flourished around us. Among those who chronicled their reading of the novel was our blogroll:

    You can find many more posts and commentary in the weekly roundup archives.

    There was also the Infinite Summer Facebook Page, the Infinite Summer goodreads page, the Infinite Summer LiveJournal Community, the Infinite Summer Shelfari group, and Ravelry.

    And I am enormously grateful to everyone who visited the site, participated in the forums, merrily tweeted along on Twitter #infsum channel, and otherwise worked to make this the incredible event it became

    Finally, a shout-out to David Foster Wallace. We owe you way more than thanks.

     
     

  • The End

    Early in Infinite Summer, we received an email from a participant (who requested anonymity):

    I went to a David Foster Wallace talk/autograph signing in Boston years ago. I asked him to write a message of congratulations to the reader on the final page. I thought this would motivate me to re-read IJ, since his congratulatory note would be waiting at the end.

    I will scan his message and autograph, and you can post the images on the site when Infinite Summer officially hits Page 981.

  • Roundup

    As Infinite Summer draws to a close, many have penned their “final thoughts” post:

     

     

      • Infinite Zombies: “I’ve probably tended to race down the hill of those last 200 pages and just lost the end amid the swirling thoughts of how ambitious and crazy and good the whole book is, and I’ve never given the actual end — the stuff about Gately specifically — very much thought.” (Daryl Houston).

     

      • Of Books and Bikes: “Wow, people. Infinite Jest is a great book, and it’s going on my list of favorite novels ever.”

     

      • Magnificent Octopus: “At some point, about a week ago, I was ready to say this is an awesome book, this Infinite Jest, and while I spent much of the first couple hundred pages admiring it, I was also somewhat confused and not really relating to it … So but, right, I’m done now, and yup, awesome book.”

     

      • Shelf Life: “This brings me to my primary problem with Infinite Jest. The excess. Wallace’s writing is amazing. It’s funny and insightful and rich with amusing references and even intentional, revealing mistakes. I loved his narrative voice, but it’s just too much. Too much story, too many characters, too many walls of text.”

     

      • A Supposedly Fun Blog: “AAAAAARRRRRGGGHHHH. I was expecting that. But not that.” (Erza Klein) and “I enjoyed it to the end, although I started to resent it about three weeks ago, not because the quality flagged (it didn’t) but because my stack of unread books began to reach truly frightening heights.” (Kevin Carey)

     

      • Catching Days: “I am shocked at how much I loved Infinite Jest.”

     

      • Aaron Swartz: “The whole book is laced through with mocking cracks at this disconnected style, like a preemptive apology. And the ending really doesn’t help matters. But in the middle it is truly grand, some of the best fiction ever.”

     

      • Thinking Without a Box: “A brilliant, earnest, and an enriching piece of fiction. Every time I read pages in the book, I was always amazed by the sheer genius of David Foster Wallace. He was truly a great one.”

     

      • Verbatim: “I did not want it to end, because now I will never again get to read about Don Gately, Joelle Van Dyne, Hal Incandenza, and all the rest—until I reread, that is.”

     

     

      • A Hyperanaphylaxis Universal Mean: “I read Jest in about 10-25 page increments over the past three months; sometimes a little faster, sometimes a little slower, but always just like a mule. Plodding along through the hills and the dark down there caverns of this tumultuous, twisting book.”

     

      • Ongoing: “I’m glad I read it. I would never dream of recommending it to anyone.”

     

      • Prozac: “Each character, though all seemingly reflective of the author, was so painfully individual and human that I felt I knew them better than I know my own friends and family.”

     

      • Tape Noise Diary: “Wallace’s inside joke and wink is that what’s entertaining about the story it’s is non-entertainment and unsatisfying story arc. It’s like a very long thesis about addiction and entertainment that uses plot and characters as props.”

     

    And in case you missed it, much of our blogroll finished the book early (infinitedetox, Gerry Canavan, members of Infinite Zombies, and so forth). We listed their final reactions in the previous Roundup post.

    Also in the last fortnight, a lot of rumination about Infinite Summer and the future of reading. In the project’s final overarching themes thread, participants debated how literary attention spans will survive an era dominated by instant-gratification digital economies. One prominent argument explored how Wallace’s theoretical lethal entertainment has fully manifested in today’s gamified engagement loops, from mobile social feeds and algorithm-driven video platforms to the best bitcoin casinos engineered to capture user focus indefinitely. Recognizing that this challenging cultural landscape makes the independent pursuit of literature even more vital, Matthew Battles, of the Hermenautic Circle Blog, writes:

    When I think of Infinite Summer, I remember that the liberal arts are at their heart not a profession or a civic medicine but a disposition.

    The institutions of the life of the mind are in a bad way—and they always have been! I wouldn’t have given you two cents for the institutions at any point in the history of civilization. But the life of the mind isn’t really about institutions, is it?

    I know I’m simplifying things; it could be argued that without institutional exposure to the liberal arts, Infinite Summer’s far-flung participants would never have undertaken conversation.

    Kathleen Fitzpatrick, associate professor of media studies at Pomona College (and I.S. guest) discussed the “death of literature with Humanities Magazine. The Missouri Review ponders Book Clubs in the World of Tomorrow!.

    If you have recently written something about Infinite Jest, pelase let us know in the comments.

  • Sincerely Yours, David Foster Wallace

    Until recently I had no idea what this book was about. I don’t mean to say that I couldn’t follow the plot (although that happened on more than one occasion), but rather that it was unclear to me whether this was a book about tennis or addiction or entertainment or families or friendships or pet-murdering psychos or what. It seemed to be about all of the above, each in turn, but none for very long.

    But from where I now stand–9/10ths of the way through and surveying the path I have trod thus far–it now seems obvious to me what the book is “about”. Infinite Jest is a novel about sincerity.107

    The question now becomes: why does it take so long to realize this? Surely this does not reflect well on Wallace, that he so thoroughly buried the lede that someone could abandon the tome 800 pages in and still not know the point. In fact, it seems as though those with only a superficial knowledge of the book–having read only the first 50 pages before giving up, say, or basing their opinion solely on synopses of the plot and setting–describe the book as the very opposite of sincere, as ironic and cynical and dark.

    My theory is that Wallace has pulled a reverse Mary Poppins, here. Rather than using a spoonful of sugar to disguise the medicine, he set his novel in a borderline dystopia, full of depression and suicide and malcontents, effectively disguising the simple and (dare I say it?) sweet message at it’s core. And he spreads it out over a solid k of pages so that, at no given moment, are you aware of what you’re imbibing.

    No moment except perhaps this one:

    The older Mario gets, the more confused he gets about the fact that everyone at E.T.A. over the age of about Kent Blott finds stuff that’s really real uncomfortable and they get embarrassed. It’s like there’s some rule that real stuff can only get mentioned if everybody rolls their eyes or laughs in a way that isn’t happy. The worst-feeling thing that happened today was at lunch when Michael Pemulis told Mario he had an idea for setting up a Dial-a-Prayer telephone service for atheists in which the atheist dials the number and the line just rings and rings and no one answers. It was a joke and a good one, and Mario got it; what was unpleasant was that Mario was the only one at the big table whose laugh was a happy laugh; everybody else sort of looked down like they were laughing at somebody with a disability. The whole issue was far above Mario’s head… And Hal was for once no help, because Hal seemed even more uncomfortable and embarrassed than the fellows at lunch, and when Mario brought up real stuff Hal called him Booboo and acted like he’d wet himself and Hal was going to be very patient about helping him change.

    That passage is found just shy of 600 pages in. And I can’t help but wonder what my reaction would have been if it had appeared on page 13. Would I have rolled my eyes, or laughed in a way that isn’t happy, or chalked this novel up as just a bunch of glurge best suited for the Oprah bookclub?108 Would my Sincerity Deflector Shields been reflexively raised, and remained in battle position for the remaining 950 pages?

    As Kevin noted earlier, my generation has been steeped in irony since the get-go, and plunging into a novel that argued against such modes of thinking would have been the literary equivalent of Cold Turkey, the Bird, white-knuckling. Instead, what Infinite Jest provides is a 13 week irony detox program,109 designed to reduce the cynicism in your system at a slow enough rate that you don’t go all P.T.-Kraus-on-a-subway.

    And then at some point you realize that Wallace has been performing something like a spiritual transfusion, that he hasn’t simply been leeching you of cynicism but also craftily impressing upon you the usefulness, the importance, the utter necessity of sincerity. The dude is like a giant ATHSCME fan, keeping the miasma of toxicity at bay.

    As we reach the end of Infinite Jest the question becomes: can we retain the message that DFW struggled so mightily to impart, or is a relapse inevitable? It’s too bad there isn’t something like an Ennet House for IJ veterans, designed to keep us from drifting to our old ways of thinking, our “default settings” as it were. I can see now why people feel the need to reread the novel on a regular basis: “Keep coming back”.

    Living a life of sincerity is a challenge, but Wallace is going to be very patient about helping us change.

  • “It’s weird to feel like you miss someone you’re not even sure you know”


    You Are Loved