When I went to rent myself a parking spot for the summer this morning (something I have never before even imagined doing - how the heck did I become a private car user?), I encountered another symptom of a nationwide obsession. For the last ten years, it has been clear that whatever task the common Finn is given, he or she will prefer to perform it using a cell phone. Apparently, there is something suspicious about tasks (such as chopping wood) that resist the utilisation of mobile technology.

I must admit, though, that this particular application is pretty handy: the door of the ramp leading to the basement parking lot opens with a free phone call to a machine (which recognises the tenants' numbers). With the speed dial function, I can now open the door by pressing two buttons on my känny while approaching the last street corner. The only problem, in principle, seems to be that the law prohibits handling a cell phone while driving. Maybe these new applications will result in an additional clause.

So far, if a quick web search tells the truth, the technology is not used much outside Tampere. There's practically no info available in English. The office of the original developer seems to be downstairs in this same building. 17:15