Dear Master of the Universe (Part 1)

Dear Master of the Universe (no, not you Dalton, nor you either, Stephen),

I think I missed a few memos.  When did using turn signals or obeying road signs and speed limits become optional?  I would never profess to obeying the speed limit 100% of the time, but exactly how quickly does a car need to be moving to flip on a residential street?  I now approach every intersection controlled by a stop light or stop sign with trepidation as I endeavour to determine if my fellow travellers have decided that today is a day to follow the rules.

Also, when did the written word become irrelevant to our society?  It seemed to start with pictograms instead of words to guide you through airports.  Although it took some time, I did become accustomed to those hieroglyphics, and it makes a certain sense in an area where people speak a multitude of languages, such as an airport. Recently, I purchased two compression shut off valves for pipes in my laundry room.  The package proudly proclaimed, "Instructions inside."  On the inside cover of the package were four pictures of the valve and no words whatsoever. Bear in mind, the package was approximately two by three inches (five by seven and a half centimetres), which made the four pictures rather miniscule and difficult for my presbyopic eyes to interpret.

Always ready to face a challenge, I decided to head to google for further edification.  Much to my dismay, the majority of sites offering assistance with compression shut off valves were videos. After much searching, I did manage to find written instructions and successfully installed the valves.

I am well aware that iPads and iPhones are high tech devices, but does that automatically mean videos are the primary instructional technique available ?    My main concern is the prevalence of videos for everything from operating a cell phone to installing a toilet is a possible indication that our society is becoming illiterate.  Although apparently few and far between, there are still some members of society who are capable of and prefer reading as a method of learning to master new devices.  Please grant us that option.

Stay tuned for more missed memos.