Technology fails again

GPS gadgets are all the rage and we must admit we're as enamored of them as much as the next fellow.

But as with all technology, the information one gets out of the system is only as good as what goes into it.

Recently two examples of GPS failure have presented themselves they are shared here for your amusement and caution.

One morning a couple of weeks ago a large tractor trailer edged it's way down the 100 block of Jackson Street. It stopped at Livingston as the driver contemplated making the turn. A resident approached the driver to advise him that, even if he could make the turn onto Livingston, he'd most likely not be able to negotiate the turn from Livingston onto Mercer.

The driver appeared perplexed. As he gazed at his handheld GPS unit, he asked where "Heavenly Ham" was.

Heavenly Ham is in Mercer Mall, not on Mercer Street.

After being redirected, counter to whatever his handheld gadget was telling him, the driver had to back his rig up and out onto Market Street during morning rush time.

This morning, a car was slowly creeping along Market Street, the driver obviously lost. After turning around it pulled up to the curb and the woman in the passenger seat lowered her window to ask where Saul's Funeral Home on Greenwood Avenue is?

Directions were given while the driver continued staring at his GPS. He smiled and offered thanks for the course correction while shaking his head at the unit in his hand.

"Worthless," he said.

So much for technology.