courtesy SF Chronicle -
Diane Munsinger
West Sacramento
It was just a few days ago, in a hospital waiting room. There were signs all over stating not to use cell phones inside the hospital as it would cause problems with medical devices, such as pacemakers, etc. Eight out of 10 people in the waiting room were talking on their cell phones.
Mikael Wagner
San Francisco
I witnessed a man at the next table to me at a well-known San Francisco restaurant break up with his apparent girlfriend, yelling obscenities that I can't even mention. He hung up on her as his date was returning from the bathroom.
Esther Honda, San Francisco
I had to tell the guy in the row in front of me that his phone display was shining right in my eyes during the live performance of "After the War" at the Geary Theater last week. Sure, it wasn't the most gripping show I've seen, but messaging during live theater?
Matthew Ward, Turlock
Whenever I work drive-thru, customers continually carry on cell phone conversations while they order, causing miscommunication. They are too busy jabbering to even acknowledge me physically there. They just push their money out and grab their order with an occasional "thank you."
George Vien, Pleasanton
My wife getting her Toyota Corolla totaled by an idiot on a cell phone who blew a stoplight at over 30 mph; the idiot in the movie house who received four calls during a movie. Such experiences don't count anymore because we've all had instances like these.
Kay Stegner, San Francisco
My daughter took me to celebrate my birthday in a nice restaurant. She had reserved one of the two window tables. A woman was using her cell phone, but the reception must have been bad, because she backed up until she was leaning partially over our table. We were so flabbergasted that we just sat there staring at her as she continued her conversation.
Kim Moore, Antelope (Sacramento County)
I was at a funeral. In the middle of the eulogy someone's cell phone rang a few times, the person answered it, spoke for a moment and then hung up. Then the same phone rang a few minutes later. Heads turned in amazement and someone asked the person to shut his phone off.