Last week, my wife and I spent a few days in *FABULOUS LAS VEGAS* aka the American Babylon. And there I had my first encounter with the greatest invention since the printing press: the fully automated toilet. As one approached it, the lid lifted and the seat heated. As one arose, it flushed as the lid descended. Other services of a European character, best left to the reader’s imagination, were also provided. All that was missing was a voice reminiscent of HAL 9000, advising me in dulcet tones:…