I really don’t like inanimate objects talking at me.  I might be the only person in the universe that has this hang up, seeing as more and more things have taken up telling me what to do.  I have become very efficient with grocery store self check out to minimize the directive statements.  At the library, I use to make sure I used the computer whose volume was lower or didn’t speak.  Unfortunately, the terminals were resently replaced with new and improved models that are louder, say more, and make bonk noises when I key something in (definitly a scowl and a sound of disgust moment).  I know I can go to a cashier or the librarian behind the check out desk and avoid the disembodied voices, but that (of course) is irrelevant.  There are other things that talk: GPS’s, public transportation vehicles, elevators and the like, in their neutral, accent less, but some how nerve grating female or male voices that are almost unavoidable.  Today, I was faced with a new to me talking thing.  A credit card reader.  I go to a real cashier to check out my purchases, and am faced with a new, slick card reading device and the evil thing is telling me what to do.  A glossy, soul-less, black, hand held, ergonomically designed piece of technology directing my transaction with its impassive, yet some how condescending tone…grrr.