[}{arlequin]

I know they are necessary, but I hate them anyway. Personally, I am embarrassed talking on it too loudly in public. Unless it's a "ok, i'll see you there" kind of a conversation, I have no interest in others hearing what I have to say.

They should start banning their use from most indoor facilities. Nobody would bring their boom-box into a restaurant and start playing it at the cell-phone-conversation volume, what's the difference???

Long ago (around '95 I think) I read an interesting article. It totally went against all convention at the time, but it struck me. Back then, cell phones were still considered pricey and an important status symbol. It was definitely not an essential item for 8th graders.

That article mentioned that there will come a time when NOT HAVING a cell phone will become a status symbol. It viewed the phone as a leash. Anyone, esp. your boss, will be able to reach you, anywhere, anytime. Not having a cell would mean you are well off, running your own company, completely independent, or just having a sheer luxury of never being bothered by anyone. I love this concept.

I view answering my phone as a luxury for ME, not a necessity for you to reach me. It's for my convenience, not yours. If I'm expecting to receive certain info from someone, that's different.

Plus, think of all the trouble you wouldn't have been in with women if you didn't have to answer your cell phone each time they call....