I suppose everyone already knows but I just saw this:

After 145 years, Western Union has quietly stopped sending telegrams.

On the company's web site, if you click on "Telegrams" in the left-side navigation bar, you're taken to a page that ends a technological era with about as little fanfare as possible:

"Effective January 27, 2006, Western Union will discontinue all Telegram and Commercial Messaging services. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you for your loyal patronage. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a customer service representative."

You had to wonder just how many telegrams a year people send. I know they have TV commercials showing people sending money but you have to question the need for telegrams nowadays. Guess it had to happen.

Later!
Mr. Ed

Yes. As with many areas of our so-called "progress" the last one hundred years. Some of us are not impressed ...