"What exactly is objectionable with respect to cellphones in public places?" First, that many people shout into them, and sound incredibly important while doing so. I don't mean to call anybody on this list a self-important shouter, but you have to face the fact that the world seems to be full of them. Until they reform, other users will (unfairly) suffer restrictions. Second, that unlike the white noise of a live conversation, the cellphone shouts are separated by silence, so each new shout grates afresh. Third, it depends on the public place. Walking down the street is one thing: you may look ridiculous but probably won't offend anybody. Disturbing fellow museum goers is rude but perhaps not outright obnoxious. Talking into a cellphone on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial while the cherries trees are in full bloom betrays a deeply philistine nature, so even if you're talking quietly, it's probably better not to do it at all. And bringing them into a live performance is simply a sin. Speaking of sin, here's a question for cell defenders: is it OK to bring them into church? Grumpily and totally unofficially, Andy Finch Andy Finch US Department of Education 202-401-3292 FAX 202-205-9133 [log in to unmask] > ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).