I went to catch a friend's gig the other week at a local lounge. The atmosphere is layed back, not a noisy, rowdy place, just a nice spot to relax, listen to some music, even dance, if you want. He got the crowd's attention immediately with a great rendition of "Summertime", seemed appropriate (July 1st). He's just playing the opening melody of his second song when some guy's cell phone starts chirping the William Tell overture, and of course, he's so DEEP
in conversation that he let's it ring. Well my friend stops his intro, casually leans on his keyboard.....and waits, while every head slowly turns to this obnoxious clown...and the silence was deafening. It took him about 30 seconds to realize that his was the only voice to be heard and his cell phone the only noise. The guy looked up, looked around him, grabbed his phone, made a quick reply to the caller, turned the unit off, and held it up to show the rest of the patrons that he had done so. This of course was followed by a round of applause that was meant to say "Don't let it happen again".
I think my friend handled this really well.
I long ago made it a habit of setting my own cell phone to vibrate when I go into any bar, pub, or restaurant, 'cos in all honesty, nobody wants to hear that crap. Just my thots...

Couldn't agree with you more. I don't mind cell phones, but there are a large number of people who live off their cell phones as if it's a part of their existance. I'm nearly run off the road on a daily basis because someone has their phone glued to their ear. Here's one for ya.. Not to long ago I was almost run off the road by a woman who was driving, putting on make up, and talking on her cell phone at the same time. I think they should be banned in may areas.. Especially anything where someone is performing. It's just plain rude.

Squeak

..... it's bad enough in a club, but I've heard them go off at Sunday Mass ... I would like to tell the offending owner "if that's not Jesus calling, turn it off" .....
t.

Well on a personal level I like the idea of embarrassing people into turning off their cell phones - but there's a good chance that the customer who's been embarrased, whatever the reason and whether they were in the wrong or not, is less likely to return. Not to mention that some diners have children in the care of sitters and cell phone contact is essential. And some idiot customers are just as likely to make their cell phones ring just to see if they can get a similar reaction.

The best solution I have seen yet is a large sign at the front door of my local jazz club that states very clearly "please turn off your cell phone before entering".

This is why I dont go to the Movies anymore....pay ten bucks each to hear cell phones ring and people talking to their friends for 2hrs...plus most movies stink too!!

I agree with you Dnj... What a waste of money. I wait until it's out on DVD, then I rent it for less, make my own popcorn, and don't have to watch it with 500 other people....

Squeak

Oh, but you miss the LARGE screen presentation, the concert level sound system and the social experience ! Some movies NEED to be seen in the theatre.
Jurassic Park
Titanic
ALL war movies .....

Big is better. A 15" T-Rex isn't scary at all.

or a 15" Terminator

What really bothers me are people using their cell phones while driving.
It's ok to use headsets but 80% of people that cut me off, didn't signal when they turned or drive 45 miles on the freeway were people too busy with "important" conversations on their cells.

Claude