Monday, July 7, 2008

Gas meter readers

In France, EDF, the national gas company, has announced that in 2 years gas meters will be eliminated. Consumption will be measured online, in real time; a smoldering cigarette couldn't be more palpable. However, thousands of dedicated employees will see the end of an era. Shall we remember the millions of times our meters have been skillfully read or will the sacrifice of these men and women who at times risked their safety by climbing ladders and stretching their necks with flashlight in hand in order to seize the last 3 red numbers slowly ticking in their rectangular hob-nob fashion be forgotten? Word is in the air that some meter-readers will be recycled as guardians of a new museum dedicated o SUV's; by 2100 such vehicles are deemed to be extremely rare artifacts.