The world has changed

Ever notice how the world around us has changed? Of course. But once in a while lots of changes seem to intersect at one location. For me that time was Friday morning. The location, a MacDonald's in the Bailey's Crossroads section of Fairfax County.

A quick bite for lunch and on to another assignment is the norm for a photojournalist. (and the reward for a college education for a budding gastrointerologist). On this morning, waiting in one of two lines, I noticed every customer was either on a cellphone or deeply in the music zone plugged into one of several types of mp3 players.

Dan, wearing a sport coat and jeans was first in line. He couldn't here the MacDonald's' cashier ask him for his order. He was waving his brand new I-Phone in the air while trying to talk on a blue tooth headset. Why was he waving it in the air? He told me it was the only way to get a good signal. And we are in the middle of Fairfax County?

Next in line, a woman and 2 children. She was having an argument regarding a wedding (not sure if it was hers) on a walkie talkie phone. Engrossed in conversation ("I don't want green???")she was oblivious to the open register to her left. The kids, aged 8 and 10 (I guess) were listening to their Zune's. Moments later they sort-of danced into each other. One mp3 player was dropped on the floor.

Finally the man in front of me was viewing some type of spreadsheet on his laptop while simultaneously talking on his cellphone. He was thanking God for the free Wi-Fi at the MacDonald's. He too was oblivious to another open register.

Finally as the assorted communicators (and listeners) moved to the counter to place an order. I was at the front of the line.

Just as I was ready to order a diet soda and small salad. The cashiers cellphone rang.

There are times I wish I had some type of invisible camera to just shoot video of life in the line.