Illiteracy in the Library...

Or do the RF emissions from cellular telephones cause low brain voltage?

I spend a fair amount of time in libararies - writing technical books can be like that. And wouldn't you know - every damned time I've been in a library of late (San Jose, Mountain View, Fremont, ...) I seem to have some jackass with their cellphone ringing, in the library, in the reference section, on the far side of a "Please Turn Off Your Cell Phone" sign! Most of the time, I saw them walk in past it!

Now, I will admit - I have one of those wretched, infernal devices. I don't like it. Why do I have it? It's mainly to co-ordinate activity during emergencies as they pop up. I bought the 'phone for ten bucks, bought the charger for another three, and I pay about forty bucks a year for service (tells you how much I actually use it.) If you want the number, you have to be either immediate family (straight-line relationship, not more than three steps removed from me personally) or have "MD" or "DO" after your name and be a physician or surgeon who I am currently consulting.

Family knows they're assuming a certain amount of risk when they call me mobile. Went through that with my two boys - "If this isn't an emergency, it will be when I get there." Easy enough, n'cest'pas?

So, howcumzit people insist upon yapping on the bitch box when things are supposed to be quiet? More irritating than people accepting calls in the library when I'm trying to work is people MAKING farkin' calls in the library when I'm trying to work!

If you can't read, what are you doing at the library in the Reference section anyhow? There's no A/V media there, you can't check anything out, so what?

If you can read, I note that nearly all of the books in Reference are in English. The sign is printed in English (and, oddly, most of the conversations I hear are in English.) So; WTF, over?

I note that I seem to be on my way to becoming a folk hero in libraries around here. I hear someone on the 'phone, or hear a 'phone ringing; I go pick up the sign, take it to their table, and tap where it says "Please Turn Off Your Cellphone." They usually get the point.

Had one kid who didn't. I'm normally fairly civil - I try to be smiling faintly when I'm tapping the sign. This damned fool thought he was Billy Badass (apparently) and started to get up to come after me.

I stopped smiling and started growling.

His response? He hung up the 'phone, put all of his gear back in his bag, and walked out.

Hey - I'm a nice guy. Don't push it. I'm also a big guy, and chances are awfully good I'm stronger and meaner than whoever is thinking about coming after me. And, I've got no particular problem in tossing you off of a balcony. Do'nt come whining to me - you provoked me, and did so not knowing what you were in for. Not my problem.

The simple solution? That sign is there for a reason. I seem to be becoming that reason. Read and follow the instructions... Else, I'll be doubting either your intellect, or your literacy, or your sanity...