Wvw, Meyers Resume Dual Meet Title Bids

Age-old Complaint Needs New Answers

Monday, February 05, 2001 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 8A 





IN MOVIE THEATERS, restaurants and other public gathering places, the
battle lines have been drawn. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 On one side: Those who cannot live without their cell phones, pagers and
laptops. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the other: Those who cannot stand the incessant bleeping and chirping of
the infernal gadgets. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Last week, The Silents won an important victory in the epic struggle. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Amtrak is adding specially-marked ``quiet cars'' on two of its trains
serving the busy Northeast Corridor. The line between Washington, D.C. and
Boston is popular with business travelers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The move came in response to requests for an area free of cell phones,
pagers and computers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``Amtrak in no way wants to discourage passengers who choose to work on the
train,'' Stan Bagley, Amtrak Northeast Corridor president, told the Associated
Press. ``Amtrak is committed to brokering a peaceful coex istence between cell
phone users and lovers of peace and quiet while aboard its trains.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 We appreciate the necessities of a connected world. Still, we could all use
some quiet time now and then. Congratulations to Amtrak for recognizing that,
for some people, travel represents the rare chance to unplug - briefly - from
the demands of a fast-paced society. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

`wired' Passengers Can't Give Static On Amtrak