Date: Sat, 4 Sep 1999 00:19:02 -0700
Reply-To: Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Subject: Re: cell phones -- techno-fix (was smoker law)
In-Reply-To: <00a801bef630$31d10e80$71d60ad0@pavilion>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Do you need a Vanagon? Or a flush toilet? Or a refrigerator? Or sliced
bread? Or a computer? "He who is without sin gets to live in the glass
house" or something like that.
IMHO we need to remember that all "human" progress is an outgrowth of
nature. Every single molecule of plastic in that cell phone came out of the
ground, as did every single atom buzzing around in the brain of its
inventor. It's all stardust. We and all our actions are not separate from
nature - we are a product of it.
I think what's important is what we do with it. We are still pretty clumsy
with our technology but we are learning. We are very impressed with our new
toys and haven't yet learned how to use them wisely in many instances.
Eventually the novelty wears off and things settle into patterns of
practical use.
As a mechanic and amateur inventor I can't leave well enough alone. I can't
see or use a new tool or gadget without thinking about how it could be
improved, or about how it should best be used. Here are my thoughts about
cell phones in cars:
Cell phones in cars can be safe if used in conjunction with hands-free
hardware. It is my feeling that they should be illegal in cars without this
technology. I got a cell phone so I could stay in touch with my shop and
customers while I'm out chasing parts. I quickly realized it was not safe to
use while driving, for at least three reasons:
1. Holding the thing next to my ear blocks peripheral vision and obstructs
the free movement of my head.
2. My hand, which my California Drivers Handbook belongs on the steering
wheel except when shifting, is not.
3. Just as David Beierl said in his earlier post - a cell phone conversation
pulls your attention down a long wormhole extending from your ear to the
mouthpiece of your conversee. You are more invested in hearing what they
have to say (it costs, and not a little, this type of palaver)- listening is
a more intensely active endeavor. When someone is sitting next to me I don't
feel it's imperative that I hear every word. I know I can simply ask them to
repeat what they've said. I'm not worried they'll suddenly begin to "break
up" in mid-sentence. And the record speaks for itself, as does our
collective experience as observers of car-phone conversations, regarding the
consequences of distraction.
For these reasons I decided to invest in a hands-free communications setup.
With the hands-free kit I feel actually safer than with someone sitting next
to me. I don't have to turn and look at someone - ain't nobody there,
although my head is free to turn in any direction. I can keep both hands on
the wheel, sit comfortably with my shoulder relaxed, my visibility is
unimpaired. To answer a call I just reach out and jab any button on the face
of the phone. The sound quality of the phone speaker is quite adequate, as
is the transmission quality of the little microphone clipped unobtrusively
to the visor above my head. To place a call to my shop I push one button -
no more dangerous than using the radio. Less, in fact, since the thing is
better positioned and the keys are more plainly marked.
In fact, in a very few years, I hear, cars will be equipped from the factory
with steering wheels that will make present day computer gaming joysticks
look like, well, toys. There will be more controls built into the steering
wheel than you can shake a stick at, and among them will be - guess what?
Hands free communication technology, of course...
Coby
Valley Wagonworks
"Intimately acquainted with VW Vans since 1959"
Volkswagen Bus, Vanagon, Westfalia and Eurovan
Repair and Service Specialists
1535 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94933
Voice:(415) 457-5628
Fax: (415) 457-0967
http://wagonworks.com
mailto:contact@wagonworks.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
> Of Jay & Kim Schmidt
> Sent: Friday, September 03, 1999 10:17 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: cell phones (was smoker law)
>
>
> As with anything else, there are exceptions. That does not make
> it less of a
> rule. Bill, I won't deny you your lifeline. But for *most*, cell
> phones are
> in the same league as SUV's and maybe credit cards-things people
> think they
> can't live without. I'd say one in one hundred SUV owners these days
> actually needs a big gaudy 4WD. Bill- you might be a candidate for one of
> those too. Lets agree that generalizations are NOT evil as tv
> would have us
> believe today. It seems like when anyone says "most people" or "most
> (anything)", people jump on it like satin were behind it.
> BREATHE! Also try
> to picture your self living without whatever crutch you desperately
> need...the day may come.
> Jay
> PS: I don't need to hear from the "one in one hundred" Explorer owner who
> really needs one. No need to plea your case. I wasn't talking to you. In
> with the good air...
