I understand the Israelis have invented a device that blocks out cell signals within a given area. There should be a huge market for this invention (e.g. concert halls, movie theatres, live theatre and hospitals) but at present it is illegal in Canada to interfere with cellular signals. I also believe that most users haven't a clue how to switch their phones from audible ring to vibrate. These are the same techno-naifs who can't figure out how to turn off the hourly beep on their digital watch. Sit in any good acoustic during a performance and listen to the chorus of electronic crickets that bracket the hour. Not only have they forgotten how to turn off the beep but they have forgotten how to set the time on the damn things! I suggested to a friend of mine that he could preface his evening concerts with a hands-on seminar on silencing your digital timepiece. Armed only with a collection of common owner's manuals or their online equivalent he could uncover the hidden sequence of buttons and add to the general peace.

If you own a phone or watch or electronic gadget that won't shut up when you want it to ... it owns you.