[KYHeirloomer]

Somebody once said that the danger with superweapons is that if you give the generals toys they want to play with them.

Same is true with every "advance" in communications equipment. Until the Xerox folks came along it was incredible how few copies were needed. Afterwards, everything had to be copied. Every office document; the kids' homework; the secretary's hind end.

Came the fax machine---a great way of handling "emergency" communications. And everything became crisis because nobody paid deadlines any mind because "we can always fax it."

The problem really got out of hand with cell phones, because almost everyone has one, feels they have the right to use them where and when they want, and, despite the fact that at least 90% of the calls being made are unnecessary, unimportant, and often dangerous, they're not going to stop.

It's all well and good to say it's ok for those involved in emergency situations and crucial calls. Except that they all become crucial calls.

There is no reason a doctor, out to dine, can't put his **** thing on vibrate. If it goes off he can excuse himself, and go out in the lobby (or, preferably, the street) and handle the call. Why is both the ringing and conversation being imposed on me? If I want that kind of noise and distration at dinner I can go eat with my nieces.