I know some people will point to any of several things as proof of the coming apocalypse: Ron Paul , hyperlinking, Habeas Corpus , the MPAA/RIAA , et al. But after being enlightened to the existence of this little gadget, the Meraki , I (perhaps unrealistically) have some restored faith in the world (in at least providing communication/knowledge to those that deserve it--i.e. everyone). This little device, coupled with our future- savior/overlord providing the masses with an open, efficient and inexpensive phone/interweb device , could very well begin creating a real-life demo of Bruce Sterling's Maneki Neko --minus all that creepy stuff at the end.
Life after the Academy