As mentioned on Monday, my recommended task (MRT) for this week is to talk about things that are working. That’s a tough one. Agonizing over this, I talked with a friend about MRT. She thought a moment.

Her responses?

1. “The Internet is working.”

2. “Making people dumber is working. Might be part of the Internet.”

3. “The vast right-wing conspiracy is working.”

4. “Christopher Walken is always working.”

5. “You’re always working. Well, you’re always doing something. I dunno about ‘working’ in a functional sense.”

Smart one, she is. My thoughts…

1. Is the Internet really working? Is life really better with information at our fingertips? Is life any more enjoyable because of CheapTickets.com? Instant Messengers? E-Mail? Seems better on the surface. Instant communication. All the data one could ever want, and more than anyone could ever possibly need. As a former early adopter turned Old Guy, I wonder. Has the burning desire to check e-mail trumped the need for regular human contact? Talking to a neighbor? Calling a friend just to shoot the breeze? I still see regular people helping each other on occasion. Building things together is wonderful. There’s been talk over the years of an “Internet Driver’s License.” Not a bad idea. Part of the requirements to obtain one, however, should be mandatory participation in a yearly barn raising. Get out, get away from the computer, get dirty, work hard, work together, get some sun, hammer the !@#$ out of something.

2. Making people dumber is definitely working. This one needs no further justification but the nightly news. Is getting dumber connected to the Internet? Maybe. With everything connected to the Internet except funny hats and shoes (prototypes are on the way), there’s just too much information, and too much of it isn’t credible. Like this column, for instance. I also wonder, though, if there’s a connection between the Internet and productivity. Information Technology is often credited for the resurgence of U.S. productivity. I don’t get that one. More computers, more printers, more wired and wireless networks—and seemingly less focus along the way. Maybe the productivity increase is due to better collaboration; sharing data. What say you?

3. Yeah, it is. See Points 1 and 2.

4. Yes, Christopher Walken is always working. He deserves to. He’s Christopher Walken.

5. I’m always working on something, yes. Am I getting anywhere? Seriously questionable.

Help me with MRT, please. What do you think is working? C’mon. Quickly. Three things. Hurry! Time’s up. Lift your pencils and pass your papers to the front. Hey. You in the back with the gum. Do you have enough for everyone?