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One of the marvelous tools of communication you have here in this future world of the 21st century is this invention you call a “cellphone.”
Some people also call it a "smartphone." (Since it is an inanimate object, I would question how this "smartness" is possible.) Other people prefer to call it by a specific brand name, like "iPhone."
Well, cellphone or smartphone or iPhone, that's my subject for today. Ah, if only we had something like that in my day — it would have saved me so many horseback rides, so many ocean voyages, and so much embarrassment because the news traveled so slowly in colonial times.
When I was in England, trying to negotiate with the leaders there on our grievances over things like unfair taxation, it would have been so helpful to have the most recent information on the state of affairs back home, so I would be working on the basis of knowledge rather than ignorance. As it turned out, I told King George and his ministers one thing, only to have it disproven several weeks later, when news of the patriots’ latest protests reached England.
But I digress. What about these cellphone things, here in this future world? Of course, they offer such a great advantage in communication speed, as I just mentioned. However, it would not be fair or honest of me to leave it at that, and not mention some of the drawbacks, as well… such as loss of control over our lives, intrusions upon our personal time or space, unpredictable texting or dialing errors, etc. (For those reasons, some might feel that they need an exorcist for their cellphone...or, better yet, they might want to create a "Declaration of Independence" from their cellphone.)
Ben talks about cells on Youtube
If you would like to hear more of my thoughts on this subject, I have created a short message on that amazing sound-and-picture purveyor called “Youtube.” I hope that you will find it both entertaining and informative. In any case, you might find it a welcome break between cute animal videos, bloopers, “Happy” music videos, and the like. To see my video, go to http://youtu.be/cWIP4U8CU7U
Ben’s cellphone preferences
Would I purchase a cellphone myself, now that I’m here visiting the 21st century? I believe I would. What kind would I choose? As an avid reader, one who is known for devouring whole volumes of books overnight, any cellphone I choose would have to have the ability to provide me with information on all sorts of subjects.
It would also be nice to have a device that alerts me to some urgent news report which I need to know about.
I think I would also prefer one that I can turn off when I do take those occasional opportunities to research something in my laboratory, or spend time with friends.
And, as to the actual “speaking” and “listening” part of this device, since I do so much prefer face-to-face conversation, rather than speaking to large groups, I would desire a cellphone that makes that easier, rather than more complicated. As I’ve observed on previous occasions, sometimes being quiet and serving as a good listener is better than being a know-it-all who is constantly telling everyone what to do, or what he or she thinks on any subject. (Those individuals who are always busy talking often miss some critical knowledge that they might have been privy to, had they stopped to listen!)
In any case, I’m certain I can come up with many more things I would like a cellphone to do, but for now, I would remind you again to view my Youtube message.
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin
One of the marvelous tools of communication you have here in this future world of the 21st century is this invention you call a “cellphone.”
Some people also call it a "smartphone." (Since it is an inanimate object, I would question how this "smartness" is possible.) Other people prefer to call it by a specific brand name, like "iPhone."
Well, cellphone or smartphone or iPhone, that's my subject for today. Ah, if only we had something like that in my day — it would have saved me so many horseback rides, so many ocean voyages, and so much embarrassment because the news traveled so slowly in colonial times.
When I was in England, trying to negotiate with the leaders there on our grievances over things like unfair taxation, it would have been so helpful to have the most recent information on the state of affairs back home, so I would be working on the basis of knowledge rather than ignorance. As it turned out, I told King George and his ministers one thing, only to have it disproven several weeks later, when news of the patriots’ latest protests reached England.
But I digress. What about these cellphone things, here in this future world? Of course, they offer such a great advantage in communication speed, as I just mentioned. However, it would not be fair or honest of me to leave it at that, and not mention some of the drawbacks, as well… such as loss of control over our lives, intrusions upon our personal time or space, unpredictable texting or dialing errors, etc. (For those reasons, some might feel that they need an exorcist for their cellphone...or, better yet, they might want to create a "Declaration of Independence" from their cellphone.)
Ben talks about cells on Youtube
If you would like to hear more of my thoughts on this subject, I have created a short message on that amazing sound-and-picture purveyor called “Youtube.” I hope that you will find it both entertaining and informative. In any case, you might find it a welcome break between cute animal videos, bloopers, “Happy” music videos, and the like. To see my video, go to http://youtu.be/cWIP4U8CU7U
Ben’s cellphone preferences
Would I purchase a cellphone myself, now that I’m here visiting the 21st century? I believe I would. What kind would I choose? As an avid reader, one who is known for devouring whole volumes of books overnight, any cellphone I choose would have to have the ability to provide me with information on all sorts of subjects.
It would also be nice to have a device that alerts me to some urgent news report which I need to know about.
I think I would also prefer one that I can turn off when I do take those occasional opportunities to research something in my laboratory, or spend time with friends.
And, as to the actual “speaking” and “listening” part of this device, since I do so much prefer face-to-face conversation, rather than speaking to large groups, I would desire a cellphone that makes that easier, rather than more complicated. As I’ve observed on previous occasions, sometimes being quiet and serving as a good listener is better than being a know-it-all who is constantly telling everyone what to do, or what he or she thinks on any subject. (Those individuals who are always busy talking often miss some critical knowledge that they might have been privy to, had they stopped to listen!)
In any case, I’m certain I can come up with many more things I would like a cellphone to do, but for now, I would remind you again to view my Youtube message.
Your humble servant,
B.Franklin