At the risk of sounding like a fuddy-duddy, I'm just not able to relate to the obsession with cell phones and texting that's sweeping the country these days.  It's not that I'm averse to modern technology.  I embrace it.  In fact, new technology is essential to the profession I'm in.  But these people that can't go five minutes (or less) without talking to or texting someone just absolutely drive me nuts!

The reason I raise the issue is there's some new research out from the Pew Internet and American Life Project.  It finds that a third of U.S. teenagers with cell phones send more than 100 texts a day, as texting has now become the most popular means of communication for young people.  It also found that three-fourths of young poeple between 12 and 17 years of age now have cell phones.   And this stat takes the cake:  text messaging has become so much a part of teenagers' lives that 87 percent of those who text said that they sleep with, or next to, their phone.  I have three words for these people:  GET A LIFE!

Maybe it's just my rebellious/nonconformist nature, but I'd sooner throw my cellphone in Lake Michigan than become a slave to it.