We live life in the crisis lane. I can't stand small talk, waiting in line or slow numbers on the dance floor. . . . It is the way of keeping contact with someone, anyone, who will reassure you that you are not alone. We're having sex for an average of four minutes a day. Seven minutes are lavished on the care of plants and pets.
Internet users wait nine minutes daily for their Web sites to materialize.
Mr. Gleick writes. Television sucks up three hours a day. Fine, if you order them on the Web and ship them overnight. I tried to think of things no one could make faster. There is still the three-minute egg.