Who knew that some plastic and circuit boards would come to rule the universe? It is more of a challenge to find someone that does not own a cell phone as opposed to finding someone who does. It is nothing to hear someone say, "I cant live without my phone. My life is in that phone. This is my business phone.

All right Social Butterflythere are some things you should realize about your phone. The way that a cell phone works is comparable to a CB radio or walkie talkie in that its an open-air radio signal transmitted between antennae. In order to increase the range beyond a few miles, more channels and antennae are necessary. A cell phone signal can pass through several towers or antennae on trip across a large city. The simplest of phone calls consists of a signal being transmitted from one cell phone to a tower to a base station to another base station to a tower, and finally to the cell phone of the individual being called. Is it any wonder we experience dropped calls or less than perfect reception at time!?!

I worked for a short time as a customer service representative for a major cell phone company until I finally became too stressed by patrons who didnt seem to realize that a cell phone is nothing more than a glorified two-way radio! All cell phones should be sold with a disclaimer stating such. It sure might cut down on customer service expense. I have compiled the following list of tips that are important for any cell phone user to remember especially before calling customer care.

~ It is not realistic to expect your phone to work perfectly ALL of the time. A power cycle can work wonders.

~ It is not a wise business decision to use a cell phone as your ONLY business contact.

~ It is important to remember that the voicemail system is not archival quality. Use a recording device for sentimental messages. (I find that the sound recorder in Windows works nicely.)

~ There is a good chance of losing messaged saved on cell phone company equipment. Back up important messages with a recording device.

~ Cell phones will likely never be as reliable as a landline.

~ Customer care has a slim chance of being able to help with lack of signal. Drive for greener pastures.

~ It is not an intelligent decision to attempt to redial a dropped or failed call to the same number from the same place when it did not work the first 14 times that you tried. Drive for greener pastures.

In conclusion, cable TV goes out, radio stations have dead air, and sometimes, cell phones just flat out do not work because they are little more than a GLORIFIED TWO-WAY RADIO!!! Just FYI. Ahem.