I hear MTSU communications professor Larry Burriss conducted a study into the cell phone?one item most could not function without, as essential to some as their keys, or money, even.

Do these technological devices really make life better? They should. They are your tools, to assist you in accomplishing tasks. It shouldn’t be the other way around; you are not the tool the device uses.

Burriss did not answer his phone for a period of time, and the experiment found about half of the people didn’t leave a message. He took that to mean about half of the calls were going to be useless anyway. However, sometimes it’s the people who don’t leave messages who really need something important, and assume since they can’t get you then, they’ll just talk later. Often, the voice messages left go on about your cell phone habits, sounding something like this “Where are you, why aren’t you answering your phone, I’ve been trying to call you all day . . .”

This message gives no information, this message makes you a tool of the cell phone, spending your time and attention on whether the message is going to tell you anything you need to know or not.

I also contend these little wonders make people stupider and plan less. People assume they don’t have to have any forethought, they can just call up anyone they wany at any time and expect people to be available to talk.

You may have thought we were all talk when The Pulse compilation CD came up as we were recording bands earlier this year on Walnut Street. But don’t worry, the good folks at Walnut House Studios are working diligently to make this project happen?more to come soon.

So tell me again why this country’s seriously considering investing in failing companies? Oh, right, to save American jobs.

But why not put those people to work and put money into wind and solar energy, biodiesel, public transportation, that sort of thing? At least require the auto companies to manufacture more efficient cars, that possibly run on something other than gasoline and actually compete on the world market.

Let’s give successful companies more money and then they can hire people. Let’s give Bill Gates more resources to invest, he seems to know how to make a profit and turn out a product of value to society.

“For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance, but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”

Happy Turkey Day!

Be thankful you’re not in Detroit and have to put up with the Lions.

Peace,

Bracken Mayo, Editor in Chief