Churches installing cell phone jammers

[DarkPhenyx]

Also in schools, hotels, entertainment venues, government

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6272681/?GT1=5472

In four Monterrey churches, Israeli-made cell phone jammers the size of paperbacks have been tucked unobtrusively among paintings of the Madonna and statues of the saints...

...In Italy, universities started using the blockers after discovering that cell phone-savvy teenagers were cheating on exams by sending text messages or taking pictures of tests...

...Purchased for about $2,000 each, they can be turned on by remote control and emit low-level radio frequencies that thwart cell phone signals within a 100-foot radius...

...Although Mexico has no law against the devices, the private use of cell phone blockers is illegal in the United States and most Western countries. But the tide is turning.

[HawkerHurricane]

1. Can I get one for my car?

100 feet would barely block it in traffic, but better than nothing.

[baldguy]

2. Hell, I'd like to carry one in my pocket.

[LibLover]

5. Driving

I've had a few near misses recently, all of them have been caused by people talking on cell phones and not paying attention to their driving.

[0007]

11. I can't believe the drivers using cell phones while driving in Heavy

Traffic. Who in the fuck do they talk too that can't wait?

[Mr Bojangles]

13. There's one problem

When their phone goes out unexpectedly, they're likely to stare blankly at it (checking signal, or willing it to work perhaps), or maybe even shake it, hoping to dislodge something (kinda like blowing on Nintendo cartridges), thus diverting what precious little attention that was left on the road away from it.

I would love to do it, myself, I'm sick and tired of kids driving riced-out neons that mommy and daddy bought for them, talking on cellphones and driving like they don't have a goddamn clue that they're in heavy traffic.

One time I got cut off by a Miata in the heavy rain (he decided to mega-merge across the interstate).

The kicker? I was driving a UPS truck. There's no way in hell I would have been able to stop in time. And a few tons of steel would have eaten that car for lunch. I couldn't see if he was on the phone or not, I was too high up and it was raining quite heavily.

But I digress...

They pretty much need to make using a cellphone while driving illegal everywhere. There's the option of the "hands free", but only if it's important (contacting children that need rides, etc.).

[KurtNYC]

6. Here's a nice one

http://www.globalgadgetuk.com/Personal.htm

Only 169 quid. Technically illegal here but no one prosecuted yet.

[2ndPlatoon]

14. That is pretty sweet!!!!!

[pinniped]

3. Communication is a vital tool in today's world.

With the stupid squatting nuts in the wh putting the entire world at risk, it's even more vital than ever to have wireless 24/7 communications capability.

What does need to be stopped are these cell-phone driving idiots who think they can multitask. They can't.

[MadHound]

4. Oh please friend, give it a break

I agree that in times of emergency, a cell phone is a handy, though not vital, tool to have.

But the vast majority of cell phone usage is meaningless blather, that not only imperils the user, but innocent bystanders as well. It is also annoying as hell, not just in public arenas such as churches or theaters, but even walking down the street or standing at a bus stop. Quite frankly, if I was rich and could afford it, I would plant a cell phone blocker every ninety feet until the whole town was covered.

Get a grip. Cell phone wasn't and isn't a neccessity, and even a short ago as fifteen years ago, the vast majority of people in this world got along just fine without one, even in emergency situations. Besides, do you really like having every move you make being tracked when you take along your cell phone? For that is what is potentially happening these days, ever since it was mandated that each and every new cell phone have a GPS locator on board.

Cell phones plain and simple are vanity items for the vast majority of people in this country, and I'm tired of peoples' incessant babbling, even out on the nature trails, in theatres, at sporting events etc, when I'm wishing to enjoy the ambient noise. Once again, it is a symptom of American's selfish "me first" attitude.

[mac56]

7. Truest words I've read in a long time, madhound.

:thumbsup:

[HawkerHurricane]

8. Put me in for a "I Agree"

In 1998, I was assigned as Military Police/Security to Naval Hospital San Diego. At the hospital, they had a 'Cell Phone/Beeper Department'; as you might imagine Doctors who might need to be contacted were issued thier cell phone and/or beeper, military style.

The sign on the door of the Cell Phone Issue said
"LEASH DEPARTMENT: a cell phone is a leash. Which end are you on? (A beeper is also a leash, but we already know which end you're on.)"

[napi21]

9. GREAT comment! I refused to get one when my boss asked me to.

and I still don't have one! I'm almost always at work, or at home, where anyone who needs to contact me can do so. If I happen not to be at either location, I don't want to be bothered, & don't need to be bothered.

[Gin]

10. AMEN............I am over all those folks talking out loud everywhere

I go......etiqutte classes for all cell phone users should be mandatory.

[pinniped]

12. You give it a break and it is you that need to get a "grip".

Who are you to say that the vast majority of cell phone use is meaningless blather? So one isn't supposed to make a c-phone call unless it's an emergency? Who appointed you head of the phone police?

If people want to talk, unless c-phone use is restricted, let them talk. Some people are going to talk loudly regardless, c-phone or no c-phone. Get used to it.

------"Quite frankly, if I was rich and could afford it, I would plant a cell phone blocker every ninety feet until the whole town was covered."------

Some town that would be. Can two people walking down the street talk loudly in your town or would that stifled too? Maybe you should move to the mountains if it's complete silence you desire. You're sure not going to find it in any populated city.

Walking down the street or standing at a bus stop? Bus stops are science reading rooms? Oh please, if it bothers you so much then stay home or wear earmuffs. That would be different than two people talking loudly face to face how?

You forgot to mention riding the bus. Can people talk on the bus on their way to work?

As for your GPS scenario, I think you need to loosen your tinfoil hat.

If people are c-phone talking in churches or theaters, complain to the people in charge. Sporting events? Unless it's billiards, golf, or tennis, you must be kidding. Can you even hear the other person at a baseball game? Nature trails? Are you allowed to talk to each other or do you have to take a vow of silence?

At the library there are signs all over asking people to take their c-phone conversations to the lobby area. You know what, it works.

Sounds like it's more than just c-phones that bothers you. It sounds like people in general bother you.

[MadHound]

15. LOL friend, only ignorant, selfish people bother me

I get along with most of the rest.

So you think it is your right to dispence meaningless babble everywhere you go, despite the fact that you are annoying others? You think it is your right to babble into a cell phone while driving, thus imperiling others everywhere you go? You think it is your right to interrupt the sounds of nature, or a theatre, or a sporting event just so you can call your friend in order to yell out "Guess where I am!"? Sorry friend, but it is that attitude of entitlement, of selfish "me first" that has, and is, eroding the sense of national civilty and politness that has existed since the beginning.

You say that signs in librarys and other places are successful in curbing inappropriate cell phone use. What planet do you live on? Cell phone use is rampant at libraries, theatres, churches, playhouses, and other places where extra noise is unwanted. Why the hell do you think there is a market for these cell phone jammers?

And as for as my GPS scenario, I don't need a tinfoil hat on that one. Go check the record, and the tech specs for the GPS units for yourself. Clinton signed a bill in 1996 mandating that all cell phones have a GPS chipset inside by 2001, later extended to 2005. Parents can, and will, be able to track their children, husbands can track their wives, employers employees, Dunkin' Doughnuts, customers of Starbucks. Check the box your own cell phone came in. Odds are that is has a piece of fine print saying "E911 enabled" or as Motorola euphimisticly puts it "Location Technology for your peace of mind" Here, check out this reprint of an article originally from the New York Times<http://www.iht.com/articles/122384.html> and then decide how much tinfoil I need.

Look, you may like cell phones, but please realize that there are many many of us who think that the damn thinks are a plague upon society, threatening our safety, cluttering up the landscape with their towers, emitting noise pollution when we wish silence, tracking our every move. If you wish to saddle yourself with one of these electronic tracking devices, fine. Just remember that there are people around you who don't wish to listen to your incessant babbling. Remember, your rights end where my nose(or in this case, ears) begin.

[pinniped]

17. Are you sure that's all?

Do you even read what you type?

------So you think it is your right to dispence meaningless babble everywhere you go, despite the fact that you are annoying others?------

Why not? Who are you again to say what constitutes a meaningful conversation? Oh, I forgot, you're the self-anointed captain of the c-phone police. Here to save the planet from people making meaningless c-phone coversations.:eyes:

Like I said, if people talking loudly bothers you so much ( which obviously it does ) stay home. Hell, I'll even send you some earmuffs so you could walk the streets without noise. Email me your address and they’re yours.

------You think it is your right to babble into a cell phone while driving, thus imperiling others everywhere you go?------

You mean it's not my right should I choose so? Is it yours? Where the hell did I say I drive and talk? If you read post #3 a little slower you would see I favor restrictions on talking while driving.

------You think it is your right to interrupt the sounds of nature, or a theater, or a sporting event just so you can call your friend in order to yell out "Guess where I am!"?------

So every time you listen to the sounds of nature there is someone making a call? Well uh, why don’t you make a citizens arrest?

I can think of plenty of natural settings where there is no c-phone service and no one will bother your peace and quiet. Death Valley National Park is one of the coolest places I’ve been to. There are over 3,000,000 acres to explore.

Are you talking about sounds of waves rolling in at the beach?

I hope no one is talking loudly on your bird watching excursions.

What sporting events do you attend again?

No one talks to anyone at the sporting events you attend right?

What about the vendors barking their warez at the ballpark, do they bother you too?

How typical, automatically you assume I make calls in a theater. I don't make/take calls during a show, but if it makes you feel better thinking I do, knock yourself out.

------Sorry friend, but it is that attitude of entitlement, of selfish "me first" that has, and is, eroding the sense of national civilty and politness that has existed since the beginning.------

Sorry, I think you lost it here.

------You say that signs in librarys and other places are successful in curbing inappropriate cell phone use. What planet do you live on? Cell phone use is rampant at libraries, theatres, churches, playhouses, and other places where extra noise is unwanted. Why the hell do you think there is a market for these cell phone jammers?------

Uhhhh no, I only stated my observations from the library. I never stated other places are successful. Try reading it again, this time slower. You do complain to theater management about c-phone talkers, right? If so, what was their response? You got them thrown out, right?

------What planet do you live on?------

The fact that you have to ask speaks wonders.

------And as for as my GPS scenario, I don't need a tinfoil hat on that one. Go check the record, and the tech specs for the GPS units for yourself.------

Have you been watching Enemy of the State again?

I already knew about the GPS thing but I am not in the least bit concerned that black SUVs and helos are going to be following me. Nor am I concerned some gov. geek in a dark room is tracking my daily whereabouts. But since your tinfoil hat is obviously on too tight, you can buy a prepaid c-phone. That way you can talk anonymous and get rid of the black SUVs at the same time, along with the computer geek in the dark room.

I hope you don't rent cars. Some rental car companies have GPS equipped cars and they will send black SUVs to follow you if you're late.

Ya, best to keep that tinfoil hat on.

But since you are anti-c-phone you can take your tinfoil hat off. No, leave it on halfway if you rent cars.

------Look, you may like cell phones, but please realize that there are many many of us who think that the damn thinks are a plague upon society, threatening our safety, cluttering up the landscape with their towers, emitting noise pollution when we wish silence, tracking our every move. If you wish to saddle yourself with one of these electronic tracking devices, fine. Just remember that there are people around you who don't wish to listen to your incessant babbling.-------

Is there any place you don't wish silence? Sounds like you demand silence everywhere you go.

Where are people allowed to talk in your presence? Never? Whispers?

I don't know how many things are on your mind any given day, but I don't let c-phone talking people walking down the street get under my skin.

What city do you live in again? I can think of a community that might suit your needs if you're willing to relocate.

The sight of cell towers bothers you?

What other marks of the urban landscape bother you? Telco phone poles, overhead powerlines, satellite dishes, streetlights, red light cameras, cars, light rail lines?

------Remember, your rights end where my nose(or in this case, ears) begin.------

The Supreme Allied Commander of the C-phone police has spoken.:eyes:

I hear there are some islands for sale in the South Pacific. There you could live free from technology!

Oh ya, you never addressed my questions about two people talking in person. I'll just assume no one is allowed to talk near you.

Sorry, after careful analysis of your response I have concluded that contrary to what you claim, everyone who talks in public bothers you.

Please relax and think it thru if you decide to post a response.

[ldf]

22. what a bunch of crap.

let's keep it simple, maybe you can comprehend that.

use a little common courtesy.

what? oh, that's for everybody else, but not you?

or is more important that the rest of us around you hear you on your phone? and why do you have to talk so loud? maybe if you are going to go the cellphone route you shouldn't buy such a cheap one.

why doesn't EVERYONE walk around screaming on their phone, because once everyone starts talking, the only way you can hear what you, or the person your calling is saying, is to scream.

that works wonders on the subway or bus in the morning going to work. it's a wonderful start to a great day. stressed out before you even GET to work.

but your answer is that WE have to wear earmuffs, so you, et al, can act like assholes. yeah, right.

and yes, it also upsets me to hear a bunch of jerks walking down the street cursing loudly, fuckin' this, bitchin' that, goddamn motherfuckers, etc, etc, etc.

yes, everyone has the freedom to make complete asses of themselves, which is obviously the preferred demeanor, according to you. after all, it is all about you. that is the problem. me me me me me me me.

again, common courtesy would make life a lot easier for everyone, including you.

but i'm sure you would soil your pants before admitting that.

lest i repeat myself, COMMON COURTESY.

and yes, i know, YOU are the one who decides what common courtesy is.

just don't be surprised when we call you on it. you will be just as stressed as the rest of us.

on second thought, i think i will just stay at home, as you suggest, so YOU can act the asshole anywhere your little heart desires.

i'll email you where to send my rent, utility, cable, LANDLINE phone bills. what you WON'T have to pay is a cell phone bill. i am at NO ONE'S beck and call, and i have gotten along just fine without one.

i'm so sorry some people's life is so complicated, or empty, that they can't do without one.

[pinniped]

25. You're right, what a bunch of crap.

------Let's keep it simple, maybe you can comprehend that.------

Keeping it simple for your own comprehension perhaps?

Another member of the c-phone police joins the fray. You should tell all your anti-c-phone pals to come over to this thread so they can blow off some steam.

------use a little common courtesy.

what? oh, that's for everybody else, but not you?------

Guess that means no one is allowed to talk in your presence either, c-phones or otherwise.

So uh, where are your NO C-PHONE ZONES? 100ft of you? 40ft? 10ft? 5mm?

------or is more important that the rest of us around you hear you on your phone? and why do you have to talk so loud? maybe if you are going to go the cellphone route you shouldn't buy such a cheap one. ------

You’re pretty funny trying to take out the years of your c-phone frustration on me. Maybe you should evaluate or reevaluate yourself before complaining about others.

Who said I talk loud? Do you know how loud I talk? Do you know me? Forget it, obviously you lump everyone in the same category and it starts with an a.

Sorry to disappoint you, I don’t have a cheap c-phone nor do I “yell” into the phone. But like I said to the other guy, you can knock yourself out thinking I do.

------why doesn't EVERYONE walk around screaming on their phone, because once everyone starts talking, the only way you can hear what you, or the person your calling is saying, is to scream.

that works wonders on the subway or bus in the morning going to work. it's a wonderful start to a great day. stressed out before you even GET to work.

but your answer is that WE have to wear earmuffs, so you, et al, can act like assholes. yeah, right.------

I’m glad to see you know how to keep yourself occupied on the subway or bus in the mornings. But I’m sorry if the real world is too loud for you. I will extend my offer to you as well. ( [e-mail] ) -No viruses please-

Everyone on a c-phone acts like assholes? Maybe you should get a life and stop worrying about other people so much. It might keep your stress level down.

------and yes, it also upsets me to hear a bunch of jerks walking down the street cursing loudly, fuckin' this, bitchin' that, goddamn motherfuckers, etc, etc, etc.------

I hear that stuff all the time and some aren’t even talking on a c-phone. Amazing!...you don’t suppose people talked like that to each other before c-phones became widespread? Nah…highly unlikely.

C-phone conversations or conversations in general must be pretty boring in your city. Maybe you should move to a city where more “lively” conversations take place.

------yes, everyone has the freedom to make complete asses of themselves, which is obviously the preferred demeanor, according to you. after all, it is all about you. that is the problem. me me me me me me me.

again, common courtesy would make life a lot easier for everyone, including you.

but i'm sure you would soil your pants before admitting that.

lest i repeat myself, COMMON COURTESY. ------

Based on the levels of profanity contained in your post, obviously you wouldn’t be one to know anything about courtesy.

------and yes, i know, YOU are the one who decides what common courtesy is.
just don't be surprised when we call you on it. you will be just as stressed as the rest of us.
on second thought, i think i will just stay at home, as you suggest, so YOU can act the asshole anywhere your little heart desires.------

Oh no!...someone called me on it.:eyes: Your vicious attacks are stressing me out. Guess it’s time to toss my two c-phones in the landfill.

I suggest you email or PM me so we can discuss your multiple people problems in private. Obviously there are issues here that go waaaaaaaaaaay beyond that of mere c-phones.

Yes, please do the world a favor and stay home until your multiple issues are resolved. Obviously it’s taking a toll on your state of mind.

------i'll email you where to send my rent, utility, cable, LANDLINE phone bills. what you WON'T have to pay is a cell phone bill. i am at NO ONE'S beck and call, and i have gotten along just fine without one.------

I’m very proud of you for not operating a cell phone. I suppose congratulations are in order? :party:

You have a LANDLINE? Are you sure you’re not at anyone’s beck and call? If it rings are you forced to answer it?

If a c-phone rings you don’t have to answer it either. You can even turn it off. Bet you never figured that one out.

------i'm so sorry some people's life is so complicated, or empty, that they can't do without one.------

I’m sorry your life is so uncomplicated you have chosen to focus on the lives of c-phone users. Personally, I would spend my time focusing on more important things. But hey, whatever floats your boat.

[Pithlet]

24. It's the cool kid thing at DU to kvetch about cell phones

Inappropriate cell phone use is rude, and a pain, but living in a society filled with millions of people ensures that you're going to have to live with rudeness cell phones or not. I hate people who drive while using them, or talk in restaurants and theaters. But cell phone blockers are illegal in the US and should stay that way.

Not all cell phone usage is rude and obtrusive. Indeed, most people are only going to notice the rude usage, and then project that to ALL cell phone usage. Anyone who would actually buy or use one of those blockers is a much more self-centered egotistical asshole then any cell phone talker.

[pinniped]

26. Thank you for summing it up in two paragraphs.

C-phone complainers on this thread should direct their anger towards getting driving & c-phone talking legislation passed.

[LWolf]

23. Maybe.

You've made some good points. I don't think that everyone needs to be accessible and trackable 24/7. I think people should have the courtesy to put their phones on "vibrate" when out in public, so that we don't have to listen to the constant ringing, singing, etc.. I don't think people need to be chatting on the hiking trail; if they wanted to spend their day chatting on the phone, they could have done it comfortably from home.

However, I want my cell phone at work. I'm an elementary school teacher. We have one outside line for the entire school. If I need to make a call, I'll rarely get a dial tone. Part of my job is to call parents. Not to mention that I am always at work during telephone hours for most businesses; if I need to make a personal "business" call at break, my cell phone doesn't tie up the work line, and I'm guaranteed a line out. If a family member needs to contact me, they can without causing extra traffic on incoming lines, and more phones for the office staff to answer. And, of course, there is only someone in the office to answer phones for an hour before and an hour after school. I tend to arrive two hours before and stay 2 - 3 hours after. I also take my cell phone out on the field with me for PE; if a student is injured or we need help of any kind, I don't have to send a runner. I can contact them faster by phone. We had kids from the local jr high, who get out earlier than we do, standing on the other side of the fence throwing things at our kids last year; some of them were climbing over the fence to confront them. I really appreciated getting adult support out in the field quickly when necessary.

I don't think my cell phone is about "me first."

I also really appreciate it when the parents of my students have a cell phone. If I need to reach them, I don't have to look up all the contact numbers, their work schedule, etc.; one number, one call, and the contact is made. Illness at school is common; injury happens now and then. And last year, when an upset student took off on foot after school instead of getting on the bus, we found him by sending out search teams who stayed in contact by...cell phones.

It's true that all of these situations used to be handled without cell phones, but they sure have increased safety, efficiency, comfort, and convenience.

[JHB]

16. Need one for the movies...

"Inconsiderate Cell Phone Man" just isn't cutting it anymore...

[Southpaw Bookworm]

18. I want one in my library

I'm at a college, and this is a huuuuge problem. I was observing a colleague's library instruction class today, and someone not only took a call, but sat there and chatted for a couple minutes. The instructor didn't hear him talking, but she tends to be pretty oblivious to these things. I was about read to knock his inconsiderate ass into tomorrow.

[pinniped]

19. I like what they told everyone at the college placement tests.

Anyone whose c-phone or pager goes off leaves. No exceptions. They warned everyone several times before the test was passed out.

Of course some dude's pager/phone went off and out he went.

[Southpaw Bookworm]

21. Ooooh.

That warms the cockles of my heart. Gonna have to use that when I teach tomorrow.

:evilgrin:

[Massacure]

20. One day, I'll go to one of those places and "conveniantly" break my leg.

Then when I call 911 and it doesn't work, I will sue the bloody hell out of them. :P