# Things you wish you could say (everywhere) **URL:** \ **Category:** general\ **Created:** [November 25, 2013, 3:23pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542 "2013-11-25T15:23:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 52
**Author:** ![CaffeinatedNoms](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/caffeinatednoms/32/3779_2.png) [@CaffeinatedNoms](https://cog.discourse.group/u/CaffeinatedNoms)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2016, 1:14pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1027 "2016-03-08T13:14:05Z")
Stop telling me to turn my phone off in the petrol station. Yes I know there is a sign that tells everyone to turn off their phone and radio and yes, there _was_ a good reason for this. In the 1950s. Radiophones used a crank and spark-gap to signal the beginning of a call. That spark could, potentially, cause problems in an area with a high concentration of petrol fumes. Amazingly enough though, what with portable phones and radiophones since the 1960s using batteries that specifically work by _not_ exploding into sparks, nobody is in danger if you answer your phone while filling up. …well unless your phone is made of glass and you keep it in a pocket of a wooly sweater… _szzzt_ ---
**Author:** ![Ook](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/ook/32/72_2.png) [@Ook](https://cog.discourse.group/u/Ook)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2016, 11:31pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1028 "2016-03-08T23:31:13Z")
A task for the mythbusters? 😄 ---
**Author:** ![ClockWorkXon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/clockworkxon/32/593_2.png) [@ClockWorkXon](https://cog.discourse.group/u/ClockWorkXon)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2016, 11:39pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1029 "2016-03-08T23:39:29Z")
What was explained to me was that some cellphones, especially those set on vibrate, can ignite gasoline fumes. Vibrate is or was created by a small engine. The sparks from the contacts inside the engine could ignite the fumes. I don’t know how likely to happen this was, or even if current technology carries the same risk. But one of the things that ticks me off with cellphones is the hospitals who go into hysterics, claiming that cellphones interfere with medical equipment. I’m not aware of any facts that support this, and I find it odd that the same hospitals have cellphone towers on their roofs. ---
**Author:** ![MikeP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MikeP](https://cog.discourse.group/u/MikeP)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 12:45am UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1030 "2016-03-09T00:45:58Z")
There is actually some evidence to support that. However, the circumstances under which a cell phone could interfere with medical equipment are extremely unlikely. The interference is caused by the phone sending out electromagnetic waves, and a length of wire catching those waves and acting as an antenna. The electrical current generated from that can cause malfunctions. The amount of interference caused is dependent on several things - How close the phone is to the equipment - Whether the equipment is shielded - How long the pseudo-antenna is In practice this means your phone needs to be within 3cm (just over an inch) of a very, very old piece of equipment for there to be issues. For there to be serious issues, that very old piece of equipment must be a vital life preserving equipment that will malfunction badly because of the interference. In other words, it ain’t gonna happen. These days, doctors have been known to take their cell phones into operating theatres with them, and according to the article I read there have been no known deaths due to cell phone use. ---
**Author:** ![Rizak](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/rizak/32/4190_2.png) [@Rizak](https://cog.discourse.group/u/Rizak)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 1:11pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1031 "2016-03-09T13:11:57Z")
I’m going to say, just don’t be a dick and turn off your phone where you see a sign posted. Is the loss of connection really worth the fight or the brainpower? ---
**Author:** ![Woodman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/woodman/32/24_2.png) [@Woodman](https://cog.discourse.group/u/Woodman)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 1:59pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1032 "2016-03-09T13:59:53Z")
The ones at gas stations are pretty damn stupid though. Not about to worry about them. ---
**Author:** ![RoadRunner](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/roadrunner/32/63_2.png) [@RoadRunner](https://cog.discourse.group/u/RoadRunner)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 4:23pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1033 "2016-03-09T16:23:22Z")
When cell phones vibrate, it is a tiny DC stepper motor spinning an eccentric weight. Examples: [![](https://www.netwasgroup.us/fluids-3/images/198_311_145-centrifugal-force-centrifuge.jpg) ](https://www.netwasgroup.us/fluids-3/images/198_311_145-centrifugal-force-centrifuge.jpg) [![](https://thingiverse-production-new.s3.amazonaws.com/renders/f8/d9/11/9a/0f/eccentric_weight_preview_featured.jpg) ](https://thingiverse-production-new.s3.amazonaws.com/renders/f8/d9/11/9a/0f/eccentric_weight_preview_featured.jpg) The stepper motor is very unlikely to spark, plus it is inside a fairly well sealed enclosure. If an Otterbox is involved, there’s another layer of protection from fumes. There is a better chance of a spark igniting fumes by getting in & out of your car (sliding your butt across the upholstery) while the tank fills, then static jumping to the handle/nozzle when you go to grab it. That actually happens; I’ve seen it on video. Regarding hospital equipment, I’m with @Rizak… it isn’t worth the hassle - you are not going to get anywhere trying to argue with a sign or a bureaucracy. In reality, there shouldn’t be a problem - when was the last time you saw a piece of modern electronic equipment that didn’t have some basic shielding? (like, a metal case or a metal liner inside a plastic shell should be sufficient, especially if grounded properly) ---
**Author:** ![MikeP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MikeP](https://cog.discourse.group/u/MikeP)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 9:32pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1034 "2016-03-09T21:32:45Z")
While I agree with both Rizak & Woodman - if I see the sign, I will just turn my phone off - if I am in an emergency department attending a loved one, the last thing I’m going to be worried about is whether I’ve got my phone turned off or not. It’s not about connectivity, it’s about focus, and even in the hospital in general, my focus is going to be on who I’m coming to see rather than on what’s happening with my phone. ---
**Author:** ![Woodman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/woodman/32/24_2.png) [@Woodman](https://cog.discourse.group/u/Woodman)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2016, 10:22pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1035 "2016-03-09T22:22:55Z")
> [@MikeP](#): > > It’s not about connectivity, it’s about focus, and even in the hospital in general, my focus is going to be on who I’m coming to see rather than on what’s happening with my phone. Having recently spent two weeks in a hospital, my perspective is different. I see your point, but as a resident, my damn cell phone was my life. And really, the whole hospital is covered with wifi, the only place I could see them banning cell phones is in places where people shouldn’t be screwing with them, operating rooms and radiology rooms. I didn’t see any signs like that when I was in the big house, that I noticed at least. ---
**Author:** ![ClockWorkXon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/clockworkxon/32/593_2.png) [@ClockWorkXon](https://cog.discourse.group/u/ClockWorkXon)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2016, 2:47am UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1036 "2016-03-10T02:47:53Z")
I am very confident that I will prevail in court tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![dakboy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/dakboy/32/68_2.png) [@dakboy](https://cog.discourse.group/u/dakboy)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2016, 3:56pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1037 "2016-03-10T15:56:29Z")
Seriously, dude? You had **no** insurance on your house? You’ve made some questionable financial decisions over the years, but **no** insurance on the place that you’re renting out to your sister-in-law might take the cake. I feel bad for you that the place is a total loss, but the financial hit is really on you. ---
**Author:** ![ClockWorkXon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/clockworkxon/32/593_2.png) [@ClockWorkXon](https://cog.discourse.group/u/ClockWorkXon)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2016, 4:38am UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1038 "2016-03-11T04:38:42Z")
You can stop sucking up to her now, she’s dead. ---
**Author:** ![ClockWorkXon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/clockworkxon/32/593_2.png) [@ClockWorkXon](https://cog.discourse.group/u/ClockWorkXon)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2016, 3:56am UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1039 "2016-03-12T03:56:39Z")
Oh, did my real, actual life interfere with your social calendar? Maybe you better go tweet how unfair that is. ---
**Author:** ![ClockWorkXon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/clockworkxon/32/593_2.png) [@ClockWorkXon](https://cog.discourse.group/u/ClockWorkXon)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2016, 4:56am UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1040 "2016-03-12T04:56:44Z")
If raising the drinking age to 21 didn’t stop teens from drinking, how is raising the smoking age to 21 supposed to work? ---
**Author:** ![PadrinoFive7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/df788c/32.png) [@PadrinoFive7](https://cog.discourse.group/u/PadrinoFive7)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2016, 5:01pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1041 "2016-03-15T17:01:52Z")
_Downstairs neighbor comes upstairs at 2PM and complains that my kids are playing in the living room while she’s trying to take a nap cause she’s worked so hard this week_ “Bitch, please.” ---
**Author:** ![ClockWorkXon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/clockworkxon/32/593_2.png) [@ClockWorkXon](https://cog.discourse.group/u/ClockWorkXon)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2016, 7:03pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1042 "2016-03-15T19:03:41Z")
Was this yesterday or today? Because she’s had an awfully hard work week already. ---
**Author:** ![Blurr](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/blurr/32/4237_2.png) [@Blurr](https://cog.discourse.group/u/Blurr)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2016, 9:07pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1043 "2016-03-15T21:07:58Z")
Yeah, for the third time now, how about you sort through your crap and throw away, sell, or otherwise get rid of it all piece by piece instead of moving it all in the house? Get it through your thick skull that two 10 ft x 20 ft storage units filled with all sorts of junk won’t fit in the garage, attic, and backyard. Nor do we want to spend our time moving all of it, again. One time is enough for our lifetime. ---
**Author:** ![PadrinoFive7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/df788c/32.png) [@PadrinoFive7](https://cog.discourse.group/u/PadrinoFive7)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2016, 10:00pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1044 "2016-03-15T22:00:30Z")
This was Saturday. Came upstairs, complained that our kids were making noise because “footsteps”. She couldn’t nap after a 50 hour week. I told her I was already explaining it to my kids, ad nauseum, but at the end of the day, it’s an apartment. It’s not solid concrete, so there’s going to be noise. Deal with it. ---
**Author:** ![MikeP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@MikeP](https://cog.discourse.group/u/MikeP)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2016, 11:02pm UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1045 "2016-03-15T23:02:05Z")
Yeah, expecting your neighbours to be quiet at 2pm on a Saturday is not even close to a reasonable expectation. If working a 50 hour week is enough to send her into a tailspin then perhaps she needs a different job. ---
**Author:** ![ClockWorkXon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/cog.discourse.group/clockworkxon/32/593_2.png) [@ClockWorkXon](https://cog.discourse.group/u/ClockWorkXon)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2016, 1:14am UTC](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542/1046 "2016-03-16T01:14:05Z")
How is this “graphic sex”? Did you ban “Dirty Dancing” for “graphic sex”? If it was a heterosexual couple embracing like that, you’d be extolling the wholesome Christian family values. Your high horse has less substance than the Emperor’s new clothes. [Previous page](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542.md?page=51) [Next page](https://cog.discourse.group/t/things-you-wish-you-could-say-everywhere/542.md?page=53)