Convenience of obtaining prints from cell phone cameras is still something of an issue, as it may be difficult to print from camera itself. But as more consumers purchase and use digital devices, manufacturers will no doubt fill that need with inexpensive, convenient and high-quality printing options.

You would think that a camera in a mobile phone wouldn’t be much different than having a small, stand-alone digital camera. In reality, however, phone is always at your side while camera may not be. And, photo can be immediately transferred to anyone with click of a button.

Phones are being used to document accident scenes, take pictures of car license plates and even potential attackers. Just last month a Nashville man was accosted by a man with a knife, later identified as James Robert Baker, who demanded money. The victim snapped assailant's photo with his camera cell phone as mugger made his escape. Police used photos from camera phone to broadcast an accurate description of Baker and his red GMC truck. A police officer stopped truck and arrested Baker approximately 10 minutes later.

Camera phones are finding favor with small business owners who are using them for any number of uses that range from verifying that correct repair part is ordered to documenting satisfactory completion of a job. Real estate professionals can quickly inform prospective buyers of a hot property just on market, insurance agents can speed accident and damage claims and contractors can quickly verify building details without leaving construction site.

Recent developments in cell phone applications include using camera as a bar code scanner enabling savvy shoppers to instantly download coupons, product information and perhaps even suggesting alternative locations where item may be found at a better price.

Given enormous popularity of camera phones, it is not surprising that there is even more exciting mobile technology on horizon. Nokia has introduced a phone (Model 3650) that can take video clips as well as photos.

Since that incident with my daughter, it has become our morning ritual to snap a quick picture of her as we head out door in morning. I think she understands now that she is never to leave my side in a public place for any reason without permission, but children are apt to do most unexpected things.

The next time you are shopping for a cell phone, you may wish to consider many options available, and give an extra long look to camera phone models. That camera cell phone that you thought was just a passing fad may be a much more practical purchase than you would have ever imagined.

Hunnicutt.

In 1920s, Hunnicutt states, Julian Huxley said in a speech that a two-day work week was

inevitable because "the human being can consume so much and no more...." In 1930's,

economist John Maynard Keyes observed that "when we reach point when world produces

all goods that it needs in two days, as it inevitably will...we must turn out attention

to great problem of what to do with our leisure."

I was amazed to learn from Hunnicutt that Kellog cereal factories began a 6-hour workday

in 1930s. Productivity rose, workers lavished timed on their families, and commercial

recreation and nonprofit organizations flourished.

Yet, here we are, 70 years later, with complex economic, political and cultural realities

leading to ever-shrinking windows of time for nurturing ourselves and our ties to each

other.

What to do?

On one hand, activists suggest, you could respond as an individual. You might: * Schedule once-a-week or once-a-month family times. * Keep a "time diary" to raise your awareness of how you spend time. * Write to your newspaper about time poverty. * Organize a civic or religious gathering to discuss time issues. * Claim a block of time for cooking slow food, cuddling your pets, making music or

photographing something beautiful.

Or, you can join with an organization. Advocacy groups around country are organizing

teach-ins, conferences and discussion groups about overwork and time poverty. A new "It's

About Time" Coalition is bringing overwork to attention of candidates for public office.

To learn more, visit www.timeday.org and www.worktolive.info.

(c) 2004 Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC