Dexterous Digits

Forget toolmaking. In what may be the utmost example of the benefit of opposable thumbs, a Singaporean business student has broken the world record for typing the fastest cell-phone text message. On June 27, Kimberly Yeo used her cell phone to key in a complex 26-word message in 43.66 seconds, roundly beating the prior record of 67 seconds. According to contest sponsor Singapore Telecommunications, Yeo sends about 50 text messages a day. Let's hope she occasionally finds the time to practice more quaint pursuits like, say, playing an instrument -- or even having a face-to-face conversation.
-- Debra Jones