Walking in the Valley A weekly column for those who live and walk in Silicon Valley by Barbara Dahlgren

Can You Hear Him Now? Column for the week of February 23-March 1, 2003

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It seems that every time I go back East to visit my folks some catastrophe happens. I was visiting them when 9-11 occurred and this time the worst snowstorm in umpteen years blew in, not to mention the fact that Gephardt decided to run for president. Talk about a double whammy!

Needless to say, I had a lot of down time waiting for my air flight, waiting on the airplane, waiting for the snow to stop, waiting, waiting, waiting. It gave me lots of time to practice one of my favorite sports – people watching. Now with advanced technology, not only do I get to watch, I get to listen to them too. It amazes me how people on cell phones are oblivious to anyone around them hearing what they say.

So there I was, trying to read my book and inconspicuously watch people when the guy next to me whips out his cell phone to make his fourteenth call. (I do think these devices are addictive. They must have some ultra magnetic mechanism that connects to the brain that forces men to robotically make call after call after call. Perhaps that sounds sexist but as a consummate people watcher, I find it to be true.) Anyway, Mr. AT&T was engrossed in speaking, not whispering, sweet nothings into whoever was on the other end of the receiver’s ear (could have been a gal, could have been a guy…. I won’t go there). I must have glanced at him or maybe got a little engrossed myself because he indignantly said, “Do you mind? This is a private conversation.”

I thought for a split second, smiled, and said, “Well, now that you ask, I don’t mind if you don’t. But if you really want to have a private conversation I suggest you find a little less crowded spot.” He looked a little stunned and walked away slowly, still talking, and looking at me as if he were thinking, “Can you hear me, now? Can you hear me, now? Can you hear me, now?”

Cell phones have invaded our society and our privacy. Once only the rich and famous or your neighborhood drug pusher had access to such convenience. Then others decided they would have them for emergency situations. Now if people can walk and talk, well actually just talk, they need a cell phone. Unfortunately, there is no section in Emily Post devoted to manners on using this modern day phenomenon. And people have NO common sense. They forget or refuse to turn them off.

They are heard going off during the movies. But instead of someone answering it, whispering, “Just a minute,” and moving to the lobby to talk they just speak up like they are one of the actors on the big screen. “Hi! Hey, what’s happening? I can’t talk right now because I’m at the movies. I’ll call you later. Where can I reach you? Oh, you’ll only be there ‘til 9? Where will you be after that? Yeah, we’re going out to eat later,” and so on and so forth.

No wonder some restaurants ban them and some states outlaw talking on them while driving. I used to think they weren’t an accident hazard but I’m not so sure anymore. Drivers tend to slow down, sway from side to side, and get utterly distracted when they use them. I’ve also heard them ring during weddings, meetings, sermons, and yes, even a funeral.

It’s been said that it’s easier to hear the still, quiet voice of God today because it is the only thing not preceded by a beep, ditty, bell, or whistle, but only those tuned into His frequency will receive the message. Why not tune in?

“Can you hear Him now? Can you hear Him now? Can you hear Him now?”

©February 2003

Be sure to visit this page every week to read the next edition of Walking in the Valley. You can write to the author at bdahlgren@wcgsouthbay.org.