[Eric]

Cell phones seem to have become a integral part of life, and perhaps a symbol of the modern world. I found this piece by George Carlin. While it may not be exactly on topic, it does seem to address some of the things that the mobile phone has come to symbolize ... sort of.

The paradox of out time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgement, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, hate too often.

We have learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space. We've done larger things but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits, and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway moratlity, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stock room. A time when technology can bring you this letter, and a time when you can choose to share this insight or just hit deltet ....

Remember: spend some time with your loved ones; the are not going to be around for ever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with you heart, and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and loved ones, but most of all mean it.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there.

And always remember life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take your breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people ... Who cares?

George Carlin.