Man traps

Cicero does not get the modern world.

A few days back perforce he was required to visit Londinium.

And while there he journeyed on the train that runs under the ground known universally as the Tube.

Along with a zillion others who all wanted to travel on the same train as Cicero.

Before getting onto the train and down to the platform where one awaits in stony silence the arrival of the train, all passengers are required to negotiate the turnstile.

With patience and common sense this is not too difficult an obstacle to overcome.

Get it wrong however and limbs and any other loose hanging appendage can get painfully snagged as the gates slam shut.

Or even refuse to open at the request of the Oyster.

So given the serious risk to life and limb that might occur this behaviour, which is quite commonplace, and not just on the Tube, is quite extraordinary.

And highlights our addiction to our portable technology devices, no matter the risk and consequences.

For Cicero witnessed a young distaff approach said barrier.

And without lifting her eyes from the wee screen on her mobile telephonic apparatus tried to negotiate the man trap.

She failed.

And it was hilarious. And perplexing. And confusing.

As she body slammed into the barrier.

What could have been so fascinating on her phone that she was prepared to risk injury rather than check where she was going?

Maybe she was checking she had the right nuclear launch codes.

Or was watching colleagues perform open heart surgery via a live feed and she needed to be on hand to give advice.

Or she was catching up on previous night’s Celebrity Big Brother gossip.

Cicero has even heard tales of people walking off harbours into the sea while determinedly staring at their phone.

Maybe the Health and Safety Gauleiters should get involved.

It is actually quite simple.

Phones are for the ears not the eyes.

Have a great day.

Sis felix. Et sis fortunatus.