I hate it when I'm not quite "hip to the beat" when it comes to the arrival of new technology, and here's one example that's nearly two decades old.

I was teaching Computer Science at the university at which I had once been a lowly student, and decided to go to the library to do some research. Given my familiarity with the setting, I shuffled into the Reference Room on automatic and went directly to the table which held the cross-reference books on what appeared in the national media.

Selecting several heavy volumes, I settled down to work, making note of the day and hour. This was obviously a good time to come. These tables were always awash with students, and here I had them all to myself. Then a light bulb went off. I looked up and over about 15 feet - and there were a half-dozen people tapping away at computers, obviously doing their research.

Of course, then I had another problem: Exactly how do I get these huge books back to the table without being observed by anyone? Especially, my students.

While the arrival of new technology is always to be expected, I never seem to learn, and here's yet another example. When I go to Washington, DC, I'm in the habit of staying at a slightly offbeat hotel, filled with goofy antiques and second-hand furniture. In a toast to bohemia, there are no television sets, and each room is cozily supplied with two dozen books, also second-hand.

On a recent visit, I used my room phone to dial up the Internet and spent hours online doing my work. When I checked out, I wondered if the front desk would say anything. In the days before cell phones, it was a challenge to just to get an outside line. Anyone hogging the telephones might well be noticed. Still, I checked out with nary a word.

Returning the very next week, I flipped open my laptop, and the console light indicated a wireless network in the neighborhood. Not above taking a free digital ride on the willing, I brought up the options, and found that this crazy hotel offered free high-speed wireless, and had been for quite some time. To think I was laboring away at dial-up speeds, when the bits could have been flying. Once again, I wasn't looking forward to check-out.

Fortunately for my ego, the front desk was either diplomatic or oblivious.

Not so long ago, I wrote about making my way through San Francisco in search of free wireless, about eclectic coffee houses and the fact that every Starbucks sports Internet access through T-Mobile - although then, you must pay.

But now San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has announced a new plan. In his words, "We will not stop until every San Franciscan has access to free wireless Internet service." Which would be super, but don't hold your breath.

Cellular companies have spent several decades and many dollars installing wireless in cities across the nation. "Free wireless for everybody" explodes in the ears of these capitalists, and they are quietly but clearly fighting it. Why make a little money, when you can make a lot?

In the mean time, it's best to take note: The wireless infrastructure is filling in all around us. The problem is - it's invisible. You can see roads and street lights, but you can't see wireless. So, wherever you are, check. Not only will you find it in the most unexpected places, you can avoid even the possibility of public embarrassment - a real issue for the periodically clueless … like me.

I'm Moira Gunn. This is Five Minutes.

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