You Talkin' to Me? Give a hoot about World Cup toots?

From: Tannenwald, Jonathan

To: Fagan, Kate; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Ban the vuvuzela?

So now the World Cup organizers are talking about banning the vuvuzelas, those plastic horns that fans blow all the time during games. I'd rather see canned rock music banned at basketball and football games. What about you?

From: Fagan, Kate

To: Tannenwald, Jonathan; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Ban the vuvuzela?

I'd be so disappointed if they banned it, I just learned its correct spelling and was poised to unleash "vuvuzela" in each story I wrote.

From: Fox, Ashley

To: Fagan, Kate, Tannenwald, Jonathan

Subject: Ban the vuvuzela?

As much as I dislike the noise - it makes me nervous and anxious - it is a part of international soccer. An annoying part, but a part nonetheless. Why ban them now? It would be like banning announcers who shout "GOOOOAAAAAAL!" at the top of their lungs.

From: Tannenwald, Jonathan

To: Fagan, Kate; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Ban the vuvuzela?

What's the noise like actually in the stadium, Kate? Is it any better live than on TV?

From: Fagan, Kate

To: Tannenwald, Jonathan; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Ban the vuvuzela?

It's no more deafening than the silence during a 76ers home game. Really, it's not bothersome inside the stadium. Within minutes it's just a hum. The vuvuzela is part of that experience in South Africa, as is the reckless driving.

From: Tannenwald, Jonathan

To: Fagan, Kate; Fox, Ashley

Subject: Ban the vuvuzela?

Maybe the Sixers could use them to liven up the Wachovia Center. They definitely need something to get people to pay attention.