Kevin’s Word

Be Sensible. Be Safe. Be courteous. Watch out for globe-monikered former monopolies looking to strike a comeback. (OK, I made the last one up.) That’s what the cell phone company formerly known as Cingular Wireless, formerly known as AT&T Wireless, formerly known as BellSouth Mobility and SBC Wireless says on their cell phone boxes (except the iPhone probably. Let’s face it: if you’re paying $500 for a phone that is horribly crippled because Apple made it, you’re not sensible).
Ever notice how many states try to pass laws prohibiting calls on cell phones on roads? Yeah, that went far. Now, the more dangerous situation is here: texting and typeing on BlackBerry and Treos. Oh yeah, they try to ban that, too. Never gets far. Why? People don’t want it. Now, I’m not saying we need to force things on people. But, if you’re weaving in and out of lanes, then that is just as dangerous and needs to be treated as a DWI or DUI offense. Why? Either way you’re not comprehending the road. Whether your drunk or looking up at the road one in every three seconds while doing work.
OK, so let’s assume you’re a BlackBerry Driver. Argument #1:
Using my BlackBerry I can do work from areas other than the office!
OK, so what is the office for? Just somewhere to go to meet up with some coworkers and get free coffee? If you work 9-5, and you are doing work from somewhere else with your BlackBerry, I hope you are getting paid overtime.
Anyway, if you are going to be a corporate stool about it and use the BlackBerry (yes, I know I’m unfairly targeting the BlackBerry. I show enough hate to Microsoft already. Palm? Ha ha…), then why don’t you not use it while driving? Would you use a laptop while driving? If no, then why the hell are you using a BlackBerry? If yes, please turn your license in at the nearest DMV office . On to arguement #2:
What if I have an emergency and someone needs to get a hold of me?
Glance at the screen real quick next time you stop. If it’s an emergency, pull over on the side of the road or in a McDonald’s parking lot. Get some french fries.

But let’s face it, BlackBerry users. The only reason you use the thing is so your company will pay for the mobile Internet.

If anyone knows who created that image, please email me so I can give him/her credit. Thanks.