Time Does Stop

[Dubh Aingeal]

Starting in September, you will no longer be able to pick up a landline, payphone, etc and find out what time it is at the beep. AT&T, which has had the service since the 20s, cited a lack of demand in the digital age as the reason for "time"'s extinction. Actually, the service had already stopped in most states, but Nevada and California — with their large rural and unmapped areas — were still holding out, should the lost motorist or weary hiker need to know the time of day. But no more! The "Time Machine", which consisted of two large drum-like devices that contained several audio-tracks and a quite advanced system for syncing up with the caller, will probably end up in a museum, anxiously awaiting the arrival of its cousin: The Pay-Phone.

[Homicidalheathen]

Aw, thats kind of sad. I remember that recording. I am getting all nostalgic over here. But I have to admit, I have not used that service since the 80's.

[Destroit]

I get all misty and weepy when I pick up old relics of the past and think "Wow...and we thought it didn't get better than this..." It's always stuff we take so for, I dunno, not granted, but more like as a way of life or a staple in our lives. It's weird to me how things that are so regular become obsolete after a few years. I'm one of those people that get weird vibes from old stuff, not bad vibes but just more like "remember when?" kinda thoughts and it makes me get mixed feelings. Like for instance in Hazel Park they have ONE phone booth. I mean they have a few in Detroit still, but I sure as fuck ain't gettin out the car to use one there, no siree. But I use old stuff on purpose sometimes 'cause you never know how long it'll last in the world until it's on display someplace and you don't ever get to actually have it in your possession for your use ever again.

[torn asunder]

in the 269 area code, you can dial 385-2121 - it's a weather update by a local radio station & advertisers. it gives the current time, temp., and if you wait thru the ads, it'll give the forecast as well...

[Crazed Vampyress]

when call waiting first came out i would call the number to get the time and just stay on the line waiting for the call waiting beep. This is how i could talk to my friends in the middle of the night without the ringing phone waking up my parents, lol.

i, too, feel a bit sad at 'the end of an era'

[Hellion]

Cell phones have made the pay phone just about obsolete.let alone most pay phones are usually broken due to thieves and vandals anyway.have not used one since 1995.

[Destroit]

Cell phones have made the pay phone just about obsolete.let alone most pay phones are usually broken due to thieves and vandals anyway.have not used one since 1995.

Yeah that was the reason I got a cell phone I got sick of having to go from phone to phone just trying to find one that worked. I dunno, still makes me sad though that they're altogether getting rid of 'em, but oh well.