Although it's been against the law to use a mobile handset while driving in NJ for some time, I've yet to see anyone stopped for it.

I spend equal amounts of time as a driver, train passenger, and pedestrian and, in my unscientific observation, no mode of transport is safe from the incessant yakking on phones. You'd think everyone would have run out of things to say by now.

On the pedestrian front, I've noticed lately that far too many people, upon reaching the middle of the crosswalk, are overcome with an irresistible urge to stop walking and dial their mobile phones.

One of the saddest, most awkward things I've ever seen was a group of four at a restaurant. Three were gabbing on their mobiles. Felt sorry for the unloved fourth. I was half tempted to extend an invitation to join our table for some real live conversation.