All right, everyone, let's talk about cell phones. They allow individuals to communicate with one another from all places on earth, no wires needed. We can keep a phone handy in a pocket or purse if we need to call someone in an emergency or while we're shopping or walking down Pollock Road.

Seriously, what matter is so important that it needs talking on a cell phone while walking around campus, oblivious to everyone around you? I doubt any one of you highly considerate people is calling 911 to report a dire emergency. I would guess that nine times out of 10 you're talking to a friend or significant other who you'll be seeing in a few hours anyway.

While making the one-minute trip from Pattee to Willard one day during finals, I observed no less than five people talking on cell phones. Come on.

Not that cell phones are all that bad. I'll admit that I too have fallen victim to the cell phone boom around here.

Like many other students, I found that buying a cell phone was a wonderful alternative to waiting at least a month for phone service.

There's also no hassle over long distance charges between my roommate and I. Besides, aren't all those ringing tones the coolest? Not if you're sitting in class and a high-pitched, digital rendition of "Popeye the Sailorman" busts out because some doofus forgot to turn off his cell phone.

With that in mind, think before you use your cell phone, and remember: Cell phones aren't ignorant, people are.