They’re Beyond Inconsiderate

Dear Ann Landers: What do you think about people who receive calls on their cellular phones in movie theaters?

Last week, a woman seated a few rows in front of me received two calls during a very serious and suspenseful film. At first, I thought the ringing was part of the sound track, but I realized my mistake when I saw her take a phone out of her purse and start talking.

I assume the call was not an emergency since she didn’t leave the theater. Reporting the incident to the manager would have meant further distraction for me, so I waited until the movie was over. I then went to the woman and told her, “Keep an eye on the Ann Landers column. When you see a letter about people who receive phone calls at the movies, you will know I’m referring to you.”

I realize this isn’t one of society’s most pressing problems, but it is one of those minor discourtesies that are becoming more frequent in malls, supermarkets, restaurants and theaters. Please, Ann, address it. Thank you. - Disconnected in New Jersey

Dear Disconnected: People who receive cellular phone calls in the theater are in the same class as people who blast their stereos on buses. “Inconsiderate” hardly describes it. They are also showing off.

So are people who make calls on their personal cell phones from planes that are already equipped with phones. Either way, it’s disconcerting to be seated next to a person who is carrying on a long-winded conversation while you’re trying to work or read. I speak from experience. Enough said.

Dear Ann Landers: I would like to respond to “Stymied in Minneapolis,” whose son was bitten by a friend’s dog. “Stymied” and her family were visiting at the friend’s home at the time.

I have worked for a general surgeon for several years. We have taken care of hundreds of patients and have seen a great many accidents. Many people do not know that their homeowner’s insurance will cover an accident of this kind.

Please tell Stymied to have her friends check their policy, and I’ll bet they are covered. - Sue in N.C.

Dear Sue: I received hundreds of letters saying, as you did, that Stymied is probably covered by her host’s homeowner’s insurance policy. I love the way my readers look out for one another.

Insurance can be a godsend. A great many people say they can’t afford it, but it can be the best investment you will ever make and you will certainly appreciate it when something goes wrong. Remember, life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans.

Dear Ann Landers: This is about that woman whose husband saved over a million pennies and traded them in for a truck. That’s over $10,000! If he saved for 50 years, that would be over 1,666 pennies per month. How can anyone spend enough cash to get back an average of 55 pennies every day for 50 years? And since a roll of pennies weighs around a third of a pound, this means he hauled over three tons of pennies to the truck dealership.

Here’s the really silly stuff, Ann. If those pennies had been invested annually, he might have had enough to buy a house instead of a truck. - Portland

Dear Portland: Thanks for a brilliant analysis. I could never have figured it out, but a Mensa-type assistant in my office did and she says you are right on the money.