The other day I visited a local technology store and an older gentleman was in front of me. In fact, there were lots of customers browsing in the store.
"What can I do for you, sir?" the store clerk asked the gentleman.
"My cellphone doesn't work for (expletive deletive).
At that precise moment, everyone in the store turned in unison and nodded in alleluia approval. "YES".
So----I have read with some skepticism the recent article (click on the post) that three young men were arrested in Michigan for having 1000 cellphones.
The theory of the arrests was that these men were involved in a terrorist plot. It may have involved the Mackinac bridge. There was also the theory that they were planning to transport them to Texas to sell for a $5 profit per phone.
Nowhere in this discussion is the possiblity that the guys were just lookin for a good telephone connection. Just to test this, answer the question how many old cell phones do you have in your possession? How many do you currently have that operate but are constantly being recharged? After all the electric outlets are counted that are recharging cell phones, how many remain to light your home. How many folks can receive a cell phone call clearly in Evansville? For 1 minute? For 2 minutes? How much of your day is spent saying "HUH?", or "I am losing you".
It would be hard to go back to the rotary phone. Americans are sold on the notion of being mobile, active, dynamic and yes young. The only problem is----- the technology has let us down.
As always, my dear readers, I will let you be the judge of what a terrorist looks like. However----if the day comes when having a lot of cellphones in your possession or at home is a sign of a terrorist, much of America will be under the spotlight.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
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As a native Michigander who went to school in the Upper Peninsula, I'd just like to clear one thing: Mackinac is pronounced "Mackinaw."
ReplyDeleteI've noticed you crazy Wisconsin people mispronouncing it. :) But then again, when I moved here, I pronounced "Stoughton" as "Stout-en."
Thanks Crystal. Correction noted.
ReplyDeleteBut Ishpemming is still prounounced Ishpemming, right?
ReplyDeleteYou betcha!
ReplyDelete