Denise Tiller, Midwest Voices Panelist 2008

When I got my first job out of college in Chicago's Loop, a colleague gave me a safety tip. He said when he rode the subway alone at night, he talked to himself and people avoided him. Sadly, he was right. Our cities have too many unfortunate souls who need help wandering city streets muttering to themselves.

Today, however, you need to look for a blue glow in their ear before you worry about their mental health.

It's hard to escape cell phones. The first time I was in the Ladies Room and heard a stranger walk in and ask, "How are you doing?" I was a little stunned until I realized she was on her phone.

Congress is considering a bill to ban cell phones from airplanes. While I dislike laws to regulate courtesy, I don't mind this one. I've learned too much about total strangers from loud cell phone conversations. None of us is so important that we can't turn them off once in while.

Denise Tiller, Midwest Voices Panelist 2008