Many years ago, I used to see surveillance cameras that were installed in supermarkets, convenience stores, and department stores, as a deterrent to various crimes (such as 'shoplifting' and 'cash register robberies'), and got used to the concept behind it. But then, I began to hear about similar cameras being installed in the most unlikeliest of places, such as movie theater concession stands!

British comedian Jasper Carrott observed this state-of-the-art phenomenon and expostulated: "I can't believe that cinemas would install ten-thousand pounds of cameras and equipment, just to guard forty quid worth of Smarties!"

And even though it's been many years since the original concept from George Orwell's classic novel "1984", the future is finally here. Today, surveillance cameras are everywhere, including a majority of street corners in major cities - as a deterrent to motor vehicle violations (especially from folks who run red lights and make illegal U-turns). In fact, I can see those cameras from my back porch, as they're perched atop the utility poles of a nearby intersection (on the other side of a two-story condo building near my building).

And, of course, there are now also cameras on 'smart phones' and other mobile devices - thus giving us even less privacy than ever before. I'm actually afraid to leave my home these days...

That said, I couldn't think of a better T-shirt message (for my latest "Front & Back" comic) than this variation of the classic line from "1984"... "Big Brother is watching." See if you agree with me...