Get Ready to Flex: Paper-thin Phones In the Works

Fat ass

Ever looked at your phone and thought, "You could lose some weight with that chunky butt?"  Well, so did the researchers at Arizona State University and Queen's University in Canada.  They started working on a smartphone that uses the same e-ink technology found in eReaders.  The phone has all the functionality as a modern smart phone, except, you know, color. 

Check out this link to eBook Magazine for more on the story and a video.

P is for Phone

"You got a phone I can have?"
"We have a phone patrons can use for emergencies, but we do not have a public phone."
"Cool, can I use it?"

Have you ever had someone say "cool" in an emergency?  You would be amazed how calm and collected some people can be when the poop really hits the oscillating fan.  And to be able to hold together in a public forum, to stay on the phone with the other person and talk about Grandma's hip replacement when all hell is breaking loose, that takes moxie and spirit.

Check out the jump for a little more discussion on phones in the library.

Pay phones
A pay phone in a public library is like a prostitute in a bar: used, abused, and socially unacceptable.  Nobody wants to use it except the most desperate of people and often those are the folks staff will let use the library phone anyway.  Also, if you have it in a corner or out of the way area, it becomes creepyville where dudes wearing long coats and little else hang out.

Public phones
Public phones do exist in remote parts of the world where libraries still trust people to make sensible use of their time.  These places also lose their phone service when someone wishes to access the Internet because they are all on the same line.  The idea of trusting the public with an open phone connection is like trusting a bear with your child.  Sure everything might turn out fine, but there is always the chance for carnage and death.

Library phones
The library must have a land-line phone for the same reason old west towns had a telegraph office: it is the simplest form of communication today.  Think about that.  A hundred years ago, people would be blown away that business is more or less required to have a phone "just cause."  They would have called it witchcraft and burned it down or that "ducking stool" thing that was so popular with the kids those days.  While now everyone must have a website, there is still a majority of the population that is outraged when there is no phone number to connect them to someone to be outraged at.  

Cell phones
I... cell phones... little things in their ears... staff joined in... silent mode is an option...  I am sorry, I just can not coherently talk about this anymore.

Cell Phones in the Library: Pittsburg Woman Arrested

In Pittsburg last week, a woman was arrested in the Los Meanos college library for "suspicion of resisting arrest" after police confronted her about using her cellphone in the library.  What happened during the incident is under dispute, however everyone can agree that she was talking on her cell phone in the library at some point.  That alone should be a crime.

I don't want to get off on a rant here about cell phones, but when did we need to be connected to everyone at all times?  Is no place sacred?  If I walked into your church during services and started talking at high volume, I would get kicked the hell out, yet the jackass next to me in the college library while I am trying to study gets free reign?  And put the phone down when you know you will be interacting with others.  I do not care if you are going through the drive-thru at Wendy's, put down the damn phone and give the server/waitress/librarian/dude with smock a little bit of respect instead of dismissing them.

Whew.  I felt really old there for a second in a "You damn kids get off my lawn" kinda way.  Ah, don't you worry, cell phoners.  You are okay, I guess.  Except for the folks with that little glowing thing stuck in your ear.  We used to stone people who stuck things in their ears and talked to themselves, ya know.  Shakes cane in the air and waves it like just don't care.


Mercury News

5 Vices in the Library to Give Up for Lent

Happy Fat Tuesday, every body!  I am not a practicing anything (maybe pastafarian), but even I can see the reason for the season.  Mardi Gras, the end of which is tonight on Fat Tuesday, is a time for celebration and indulgence where we enjoy life to its fullest and celebrate our continued existence.  Lent is all about sacrifice, putting behind those celebratory feelings and getting a little perspective.  So when you go out and get wildly plastered on wine coolers tonight, remember that tomorrow and the next 39 days (or until Easter, personal time tables aside) are all about atoning and thinking about what you could give up.  With that in mind, I give you 5 Vices in the Library to Give Up for Lent:


Special Note:  Most workplaces, including libraries, have rules against booze and handguns on the premises.  I am not going to talk about such mundane vices because, well, you are really not supposed to do that anyway.  Also, breaks and lunches are often state mandated, so you do not get those either.


1. Snacks

Put'em down, Jimmy

Oh, how we love a soft drink or bag of chips on break or at lunch.  Chomping down on that sugary, fatty goodness is sometimes the only relief we have in a day.  But think of what it would mean to give that up.  To spend your break sitting quietly reading without Jimmy from IT chomping down on a Dorito three feet away.  Heaven.

2.  Social Networks and Blogs

I'm your friend...

Most libraries have rules about how their workers use the computers, but come on, most of you are reading this right now at work, am I right?  That's okay, like the snacks this little pitstop can refuel you to go out and deal with that guy who has made 32 copies of his hand and wants his money back.  Giving up all the Twitters, Facebooks, and blogs will give you a little more productivity, though.  Plus, you can always read us on your break instead of getting down with a bag of chips.

3.  Cellphone

Seductress, you are...

Again, jobs really do not like it when you use your cell at work.  Again, most of you have it with you right now, though, huh?  The gentle vibrate of a text or notice in your pocket comforts you, makes you aware that, "hey, you're not alone."  Well, lock that thing in your desk while you are on the clock.  All your "followers" and "friends" can wait, and if they can not, go old school and have them call the library.

4.  Chairs

Not for library attire.

Give up your chair when you are at work.  One of the greatest pieces of advice for constructing a library I ever heard was "Make every desk chest high."  When people are standing, they are more likely to be active and helpful.  Yes, your feet will hurt at the end of the day.  I apologize if your shoes do that to you.  Possibly, it is time to get better shoes for working in.  Plus, they make some real stylish walkin shoes, I hear.

Ambrosia

5.  Coffee
Now is the time for a real sense of sacrifice.  Possibly to others.  Coffee, that sweet nectar of the gods, Mr. C, all that is great about the morning.  Give it up.  Cold.  More than anything else on this list coffee should show people that you are serious about what you will and will not sacrifice in your life.  If you can do this, you are a stronger soul than most, a divine one.  Go to it, you golden god.

Now, for those of you sitting in comfy chairs sipping a cup of joe, munching on biscotti and reading this on your iphone, for shame.  You have much to atone for and should start from the bottom up.