Each was a powerful communications tool in its time

The ways in which we communicate and the ways in which we respond to communications have come a long way since man first discovered how to shape smoke.

Today, we have the means to transmit messages to the multitudes, on earth and beyond, almost instantaneously.

Unless the message has a point, however, and unless there are receptive people willing to receive it, it might just as well be writ in smoke - or be on the receiving end of a tin can.