What happened?

FR ^ | 3/4/2024 | self

[steve86]

Thank you.

I have done some more dBA measurement, using a different device. I started to realize the 100 level couldn’t possibly be correct; yes, I have high- frequency roll-off but I’m sure as hell not profoundly deaf!

Using a properly calibrated device the sound level was around 80 dBA.

[mass55th]

"I was just trying to explain what the younguns do with their phones. I’m not on social media either."

I think computers and the internet have made people lazy, and sadly, some folks have become dependent on them for entertainment. Growing up in the 50's, we had to find our own entertainment, so reading has always been my favorite hobby.

I never joined Facebook, Twitter, etc., but then tried the social media site Parler when Trump got bumped off the other two, thinking he might end up there. Then Parler went offline for a while, so I tried Gab, then Gettr, and Truth Social once they allowed computer access, and finally dumped them all. I found nothing redeeming about any of them, and felt they were a waste of my time.

[alexander_busek]

Just a strange social observation that's been puzzling me for a couple years. It seems to me that if I were out on the street, it'd be the other way around. Is this just a waiting area thing? Am I taking crazy pills?

Why don't you ask them?

It seems to me that the offenders, themselves, should be able to explain their behavior, when called to account.

(BTW: Any obvious clues in the appearances of the offenders? Chiefly women? Fat people? Canadians?)

Regards,

[alexander_busek]

I really can’t hear the phone except on speaker. I’m not walking around with big headphones.

1. So you think that that entitles you to blast everyone in your vicinity with your rancorous personal phone calls and intimate conversations?
2. Can't you find a remote location at which to conduct your vitally important telephone conversation? No dark alleyway that you could duck into, where you could enjoy a steamy session with your Significant Other or argue with your coworker without discomforting innocent bystanders?
3. Don't use your cell phone except in private! It's as simple as that!

I, personally, am considering maybe one day purchasing one of those cell phone devices. I understand that they are now equipped with tiny screens, and that it's now even possible to use them to send e-mails or "surf the Internet." Though why I'd want to do that in a public place (waiting at an airport departure gate, strolling along the sidewalk, standing in a grocery store check-out line) escapes me.

Regards,

[alexander_busek]

Try to think of your cell phone the way they do. It’s way more than just a portable phone. It’s a portable computer, a portable camera, and a portable video system. These are actually amazing devices.

I have no doubt that they are indeed amazing devices. I understand that they can even be fitted with earphones or buds or whatever they're called, enabling one to enjoy music etc. without disturbing the repose of strangers in one's vicinity.

Regards,

[gitmo]

My cellphones synchs with my hearing aids, so only I hear the calls, music or podcasts that are playing.

[Zhang Fei]

If you can stand headsets, plug a Bluetooth transmitter headphone-style mini plug into your TV, connect a Bluetooth headset to the transmitter. I can’t vouch for the specific products below, but they are random examples of what I’m referring to:

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Transmitter-Receiver-Portable-Rechargeable/dp/B083J98ZFX/
https://www.amazon.com/MIDOLA-Bluetooth-Headphones-Microphone-Lightweight/dp/B0CHY4PYQK/

If you can get past the idea of headsets, the key to a comfortable pair is soft earpads that swivel.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61p2b9M0CDL._AC_SX679_.jpg

Battery life is also important, giving you the flexibility to charge every few days. Anyhow, good luck with the neighbors, however this pans out.

[Zhang Fei]

[In my condo complex I get fairly frequent noise complaints from neighbors about my TV. I’ve been diagnosed with moderate hearing loss and told by an ENT specialist that I need hearing aides. But they start at $1,500 each so I can’t afford them.
Perhaps these over 50s also have hearing problems.]

---

Another point with headsets on the comfort issue is that if the manufacturer doesn’t say the earpads swivel, they probably don’t. It’s an extra cost feature, adding parts and complexity in terms of weakening its durability that requires reinforcement and, at minimum, greater design effort.

[equaviator]

I used to drive around town and in & out of parking lots with Rush on in my truck with the windows down. Shame on me! /s

[Psalm 73]

"In my day, we had transistor radios."

Did it have that little faux leather case?

Man those were the days - could listen to ball games on it, or Petula Clark or the Beatles latest hits....

[TermLimits4All]

I found that a lot as well at the airport. In fact I did it too while on a FaceTime call with my daughter. Otherwise I do keep the volume down low enough that I can eke out what they’re talking about. Sorry if it’s offensive but I don’t like headphones and earbuds don’t stay in my ears due to extra cartilage there.

[Chickensoup]

There are hearing assistance headphones to help. And closed caption.

Stay classy.

[Buttons12]

America is becoming genetically inferior.

Since the Civil War.

[maddog55]

One, you’re in SEATAC a liberal shxthole. Two, doesn’t matter the city you’re in since their all liberal shxtholes and the people are azzholes.

I quit flying years ago after a lifetime of world air travel because I got sick of the idiots traveling. Air travelers turned into the Greyhound bus crowd years ago. They’re rude, obnoxious scum not all but it only takes a few to screw it up for everyone.

Same as in theaters and concerts, gave that up too. Cell phones and texting, cameras etc are more important to these idiots than the venue.

[GranTorino]

Its amusing.
My dentist has a fish tank worth thousands.
I have never seen anyone look at it besides myself.
Everyone looking at the phone.
I hate it.

[ronniesgal]

it is rude and it is almost always old people. and i am an older person.
we went out to eat and a ladys phone went off. I thought it was an emergency warning and kept looking for the exits.
She turned her phone off eventually but it was ridiculous.

[FamiliarFace]

That’s good news. 100 dBA would’ve been pretty loud!

[GranTorino]

I agree with you. I have great memories of traveling. I hate to ruin those memories so I don’t travel much.
When I have to fly I hate it. Only thing that makes it bearable is my interest in aviation.

[SunkenCiv]

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