The New York City Council approved a bill to ban cell phone use at public performances in the City, not including sporting events. It includes places like movies, galleries, and lectures (but allows for emergency use). Does "I'm at the front of the line at the concession stand, did you want butter on your large popcorn?" count as an emergency? I agree it's annoying and obnoxious when someone's phone rings during one of these events, but is total prohibition the answer? How about something along the lines of driver's ed instead? Before you can buy a phone, you need to receive some sort of "phone etiquette" certification. Topics to be covered include: "Talking on phone OK before movie starts, talking on phone BAD once movie begins" etc.