Ten years ago Eric might have actually had a nice conversation with one of these beautiful women. Unfortunately, possibly because of technology, he has to pretend to read the newspaper.

Public Service Announcement: Please Tell Me Cell Phones Are A Fad
by Patrick Kirk Gillock

Note to Reader: Sometimes the articles on this site will be used more as an editorial. With that said...

Chesterville, WA - Is it just me or have cell phones changed our way of life more than any other handheld device since the remote control? Unfortunately, unlike remote controls, we don't leave cell phones at home.

We would be naive to think all inventions were good for us (see Lawn Darts). So here are a few cellular observations which some of you might relate to:

Example 1: Recently I watched a baseball game on TV (a rare occasion) and noticed someone behind homeplate waving at the camera. I also couldn't help notice a cell phone in her hand. (Now I notice it at all sporting events.)

Example 2: While at a rock concert (also a rare occasion) someone decided to call his buddies, "YO! LISTEN!!! I'M AT THE OZZY CONCERT!!!!!" So am I you little punk and you're ruining Ozzy's opus, Mama I'm Coming Home.

Example 3: The other day at lunch with four friends I noticed two of them spoke on their cell phones almost the entire meal. Every time it rang, like a Pavlovian response, they picked it up. The resulting cell phone conversations (all work related) made for a very unpleasant lunch, for all of us. Not to mention, the chicken was dry.

Example 4: Last week my girlfriend and I were on vacation in Maui. To take "getting-away-from-it-all" one step further we decided to relax near a waterfall outside Hana, the most remote part of the island. It was a dream. That is, until we heard another couple coming up the path and arguing with someone on their cell phone.

Example 5: Yesterday, while I was alone at a movie theater (a VERY frequent occasion) and enjoying the pre-show trivia, another movie patron decided to call someone and talk about their plans for that night. So all six of us in the theater listened to this person have a conversation with someone WHO WASN'T EVEN THERE!!!!

Example 6: A friend of mine was recently quoted saying, "If we're gonna be late we can just call Kelly and let her know. ...What? She doesn't have a cell phone? Great, now what do we do?" How about show up on time! Or just don't worry about it. People use to not have cell phones and the world was fine. Plus, much more punctual ...and quieter. (God I sound old!)

Example 7: Tired yet? Okay, I'll stop.

Keep in mind, I haven't mentioned the problem with people driving while on their cell phones. Why? It's too easy. Besides, the government will most likely make it illegal anyway. (Like everything else.) Since some people don't have enough common sense to figure this out on their own (see The Seat Belt Law). Why do the dimwitted few always ruin it for the rest of us?

Cell phones, and their almost addictive convenience, have resulted in people being unable to getaway. They are suppose to be "wireless" but I see a HUGE wire ...and it's in the shape of a chain. It almost binds people like handcuffs. Or makes your world inescapable, like you're in a prison cell. Wait. Cell? Cell phones? That's funny. Anyway, stress issues, which would have waited until someone got home or got back to the office, are now brought up during your breaks or your daily commute home. The instant gratification is too irresitable and part of the blame is on people who call cell phone numbers. So the next time you think about calling someone on their cell phone just ask yourself this, "Can it wait?" I'm sure it can. (We're not as important as we think we are.) Leave a message on their work phone or at home. They'll get back with you, when they're ready.

There's a restaurant here in Seattle which has a sign on the door, "No Cell Phones Allowed". I've seen similar signs that say, "No Smoking". Cigarettes and cell phones? The two are actually very similar. They both have their addictive qualities and each can severely aggravate innocent bystanders. One irritates the eyes and nose, the other irritates the ears. And that's my point. Be considerate, ...not only to others around you, but to yourself. Put the phone away and enjoy where you are and who you're with (they, after all, made the effort to see you in person). So leave work life at work and home life at home. Things use to be able to wait and they still can. Treat yourself to a good life and give yourself some private time. You deserve it.

<< Back | Main | Next >>