[Muncle]

Cell phones have a real purpose for many business people, but I resent the current attitude that all people must be reachable at all times. If I decide to take a short Sunday drive-about, I don't want it disturbed by phone calls regardless of how well meaning. Call my home phone and leave a voice mail. And why must people (women) feel the urge to always be on the phone? Are they afraid that without this crutch, they might actually have to reflect on something in their lives? And golf courses --- you're on an exec course and your playing partner has to talk to the spouse three times. Dammit, they saw each other an hour previously and will see each other again in an hour. Anything less critical than a missing limb, impending birth, or a house fire can wait. Cell phones at Publix serve a purpose. Many a husband is faced with the quandary of not being exactly sure what to buy and dreads the aftermath if he comes home with Acme Olive Oil and she only uses Blendex Oil, Extra, Extra, Extra Virgin. Let the poor sap call home. But if you have to discuss everything on the shopping list and get directions as to what aisle has the baked beans, let her do the shopping or at least bring her along. And PLEASE,, everyone, put the accursed thing away before you get in line. Those of us captured around you don't care about your luncheon or your landscaper or your sister's hysterectomy.

I could also get into kids and their cell phone jones, or drivers ignoring the world, or phones ringing at improper times, but this is more about why "I" don't use one. Unless I'm going to be away for more than 4-6 hours, nothing is so critical that a voice mail can't cover it. I'll be home soon and get the message. I do kinda like the concept of the prepaid phone and may get one for my car in case of actual emergencies. And I'll definitely get one before my next 5000 mile drive-about or even a trip to DC, KC, or Connecticut. Common sense. But I won't have one for everyday life in TV.

And if you disagree with me, you, Sir are worse than Hitler.

Tomorrow, we can get into the ultimate curse of modern technology, a real child of Satan, call interrupt.

Oh, back on topic, I borrowed someone's cell phone and called Embarq. They're sending a tech to review the problem. And yes, I get the irony.

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