I’m in the midst of a number of demanding writing projects this month, but I did sneak in a matinee of the latest “Mission Impossible” installment after Christmas. Although I found the end blighted with expository dialog, I was enthralled with the high-tension adventure overall. But here’s an odd note: At several points during the film, the team’s very high-tech gadgetry failed them. And then (remember, I said it was expository dialog) at the close, Tom Cruise’s character held forth about how technology failed, but the people of his team still prevailed.

So…..as millions of Americans are firing up their Nooks, Kindles, iPads, smart phones and   other instrumentation, I wonder….is the tide about to turn?