mayor - 10:07 pm on Jan 29, 2005 (gmt 0)

Behold the personal area network. Enhanced with voice recognition and GPS (global positioning satellite) coordinates, call in an online search from your mobile and your dialog begins:

caller: "sushi five miles"

reply: "cheap sushi at Joes Diner, forty cents a bite"

caller "next"

reply: "fresh sushi at Nippon Delight, assortment of twelve pieces for thirty three dollars"

caller: "next"

reply: "there are no more choices in your five mile personal area"

caller: "directions to Joes Diner" (pause) "message to Joes Diner two for sushi"

reply: "turn left on Third Street, go three miles to Joes Diner at the corner of Back Alley" (pause) "personal message acknowled by Joes Diner"

The receptionist, upon arrival at Joes: "Welcome Brett, your non-smoking table is set for the two of you, over there by the window, and your green tea is on it's way. Your pay pal account is open and approved for one hundred dollars. Our wireless cashier will automatically add your standard 15% gratuity to your restaurant charges upon your departure. Check your e-mail for a copy of your bill, and a discount coupon for your next visit."

Closer than you think folks!